The Senate panel approves Finland, Sweden’s attempt to join NATO
On Thursday, the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee readily adopted a resolution pressuring NATO to quickly accept Finland and Sweden, a sign of a two-party agreement to push back Russian aggression.
In a vote, the committee approved the measure in support of the two Nordic states’ entry into the Security Alliance and called on other NATO members to do the same. There were no objections.
“The Committee’s adoption of this resolution is proof of the bipartisan support for Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, and the urgency of strengthening the alliance in the midst of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine,” said panelist James Risch (R-Idaho). ) in a press release. a statement after the vote.
– I have long said that Sweden’s and Finland’s strong political and military traditions make them perfect for the alliance. I hope the Senate will follow the committee’s lead and move quickly to adopt this resolution. ”
NATO has sought to strengthen its alliance against Russia since the Kremlin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine began on February 24, a war that has also threatened neighboring member states.
The two Nordic countries have also experienced the effects of the attack, with Russian jets violating both Swedish and Finnish airspace.
The 30-member organization now hopes to send a message of agreement to Russian President Vladimir Putin with the entry of Finland and Sweden, who have so far worked with NATO but remained strategically separated.
The two new tenders have received full support from the Biden administration and are now set to easily receive the required two-thirds of the Senate’s approval.