This is due to the capacity and size of the Finnish military, he says. Furthermore, it is a major setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the threat from Russia. “I think Northern Europe is now better able to defend itself against possible aggression from Russia.”
Feith praises the Finns’ professionalism when it comes to tackling the NATO membership process, but says it is a pity that Sweden – which originally sought to join “hand in hand” with Finland – has not made it due to of the resistance of Turkey and Hungary.
Disappointment
According to Feith, there is above all a feeling of disappointment in Sweden, “because they feel they cannot meet the demands made by Erdogan and Orban,” he says. For example, Turkey wants Sweden to extradite PKK supporters and opponents of the Turkish regime, and Hungary wants Sweden to stop criticizing the state of democracy under Orban. “This is even more absurd,” Feith continues. “And these are things that Sweden cannot easily say yes to.”
“Turkey and Hungary are asking Sweden for things they can’t easily say yes to”
US President Joe Biden has also called on Turkey and Hungary to review their decisions and allow Sweden to join as soon as possible.
Put in
Official membership is not only a boon for NATO but also a big slap in the face for Putin, Feith thinks. Putin thought NATO would disintegrate and solidarity deteriorate as a result of the aggression against Ukraine, but the opposite is true. “NATO came out even stronger, and now has one, and maybe even two new members later,” he concludes. “This is a defeat for Putin.”