The United Kingdom will provide military aid to Sweden or Finland should the countries be attacked during the transition period to NATO membership, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday after a visit to Sweden. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have been considering joining the NATO military alliance. However, there are fears of possible reprisals from Russia.
The entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO would be a historic turning point for the Scandinavian region and would fundamentally change the military balance in Europe. On May 12, Finland will officially decide to apply for membership and Sweden will make that decision on May 13, news agency reported. Reuters Tuesday.
Before the countries officially belong to NATO, there is a transition period. During that transition period, both countries are not yet protected by Article 5 of NATO. It states that an attack on one of the NATO countries is seen as an attack on all member states.
With the agreement that both countries signed on Wednesday, the UK wants to offer that protection. The countries themselves should ask for help. According to Johnson, this could also mean the deployment of British soldiers. The UK and the two Scandinavian countries have also agreed to increase intelligence sharing and intensify military cooperation.
UK behind NATO accession
“The war in Ukraine forces us to make tough decisions,” Johnson said at a news conference in Sweden. “But sovereign countries must be free to make decisions without fear or under threat of retaliation. This shows that we will support and defend each other.”
Johnson also expressed his support for Sweden’s NATO membership. Later in the day, he will visit Finland, with which the UK will conclude the same agreement.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that it is monitoring developments at the country’s borders. Moscow previously warned of “military and political consequences” if the Swedes and Finns applied to join.
–
