Russia has made a "massive strategic blunder" as Finland and Sweden look poised to join NATO as early as the summer, The Times reported Monday, citing unidentified officials.
Highlights
- Finland and Sweden look poised to join NATO as early as summer, report says.
- NATO membership for both Nordic countries was “a topic of conversation and multiple sessions” during talks between the alliance’s foreign ministers last week attended by Sweden and Finland.
- Washington is banking on the move, a direct consequence of President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Public support for joining NATO has doubled from 30% to 60% in polls since Russia’s Feb.
- 24 attack on Ukraine.
- The move would stretch Russia’s military and enlarge the Western alliance from 30 to 32 members, report adds.