Finland Joins NATO: Escalating Nuclear Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
On March 4, 2023, Finland became the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NATO soldiers prepare to raise the Finland Flag at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs at NATO Headquarters in Brussels (UK Government Picture by Rory Arnold)
Finland's history of not joining a military alliance is over, and it now flies its flag with the other NATO members. According to CNBC, it is “one of the biggest geopolitical changes in Europe to come about as a direct consequence of the conflict.”
As a result, Vladimir Putin sees this as an aggravation of an already tense situation and has ordered countermeasures. Zerohedge reports, "Belarus has acquired aircraft and Iskander missiles capable of delivering tactical nuclear strikes." This will remain a constant threat and raise tensions even further, not only between neighboring countries but throughout the world.
Moscow is deploying nuclear-capable missiles into Belarus, just days after Russia and China agreed not to deploy nuclear weapons beyond national borders. In response to Russia’s movement into Belarus, China appears to want to ease the situation, calling that nuclear war should be avoided, according to SCMP: "under the current circumstances, all parties should focus on diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukrainian conflict and cooperatively facilitate the situation's relaxation."
Key Points
Finland is now the 31st member of NATO
Nuclear capable missiles are in Belarus courtesy of Russia
China urges all parties to peacefully resolve Ukrainian conflict