Putin's catastrophe: Andrew Neil predicted Russia's nightmarish version of NATO development
The Russian leader constantly criticized the expansion of NATO to Russia's borders after the end of the Cold War, writes the Daily Express. However, the Russian special operation in Ukraine has rallied the alliance and is likely to attract Finland and Sweden to it.
Journalist and TV presenter Andrew Neil (Andrew Neil) said that Vladimir Putin's special operation in Ukraine returned to him like a boomerang and launched the "NATO nightmare scenario", which he had always been afraid of.
The Russian leader has constantly criticized the expansion of NATO to Russia's borders since the end of the Cold War. With the collapse of the USSR, many of the former Warsaw Pact countries gained membership in the Western military alliance. This infuriated the Russian leader: he has repeatedly stated that NATO expansion undermines Russia's security and poses a real threat.
Putin has made a lot of efforts to weaken NATO and prevent its further expansion.
However, Neil believes that all the Russian president has achieved is, on the contrary, strengthened the alliance and made it even more attractive for non–aligned countries.
He said: "Putin has always wanted to weaken NATO and stop the influx of new members."
"However, because of his adventure in Ukraine, historically neutral Finland and Sweden will join the alliance this summer, and the number of members will grow to 32."
Sweden and Finland are already reconsidering their attitude to NATO.
So far, they are not allies of the alliance militarily, but public support for NATO has increased dramatically with the start of the Russian operation.
In a recent poll, 68% of Finns supported joining the alliance.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said that the future is "a foregone conclusion" and Helsinki will apply for membership – and certainly by the June NATO summit in Madrid.
The current Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said that her government will make a decision no later than midsummer (in Scandinavia, the "midsummer" is called the summer solstice, - Approx. transl.).
She said: "We will discuss everything thoroughly, but we will not waste more time than necessary. I guess we'll manage until midsummer."
In Sweden, NATO support is about 50%.
Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said at the end of March that she "does not rule out" that her country will also join the alliance.
On Monday, Moscow again warned both Scandinavian countries against joining NATO.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move would not bring stability to Europe.
He called the alliance "a tool sharpened for confrontation."
Meanwhile, US officials expect that Finland and Sweden will still apply for membership. They were convinced of this by the meetings of NATO leaders with the foreign ministers of both countries last week.
The prospect that the Nordic countries will join the alliance delighted the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
Linas Linkevicius tweeted: "It is likely that new geostrategic "victories" are waiting for Putin next summer. NATO will invite Finland and Sweden to join its ranks. This will be a huge incentive for the security of our region. We need you. Welcome. Together we are NATO!"
Author: John Varga (John Varga)
Readers' comments:
Ricban1950
So, we need a wall from the very north of Norway to the Black Sea to isolate Russia and Belarus and stop all communication. Of course, this will not stop the military. But there will be no trade or transport through the wall. No goods, no people. Let Russia and Belarus remain in 1984 with North Korea, and the rest of the civilized world moves forward.
88panda
It's not over yet. Better get ready for World War III. Build a better shelter while there is still time. Good luck!
Proudscot
Putin is not learning anything. The more angry he gets and threatens NATO, the more countries will join it. Isn't he too smart, tell me?
Wych1
All these countries ran to the alliance only because they were afraid of the Russian invasion. They haven't paid a penny to the NATO club, but they will get all the benefits.
Rick 52
Sweden and Finland will benefit NATO. They have a decent military potential, and they will pay the required share of GDP – unlike, for example, Germany, which has been underpaid for years. It is even believed that if Germany pays its debt to NATO in full, it will go bankrupt.
Alan A.P. Winkleman
Clear. Andrew Neal wants a third world War. Does he really think that Russia will accept defeat? Russia has hypersonic missiles that will reach Washington in 60 seconds.
Liverpoolguy
When the Russians last went to the Finns in World War II, they kicked their ass hard.
Scenehamyard
Another narrow-minded Western journalist. Russia will do everything as it wants.
peter.am
So the mere fact that NATO wants to install weapons in Ukraine and direct them directly at Russia is not a threat? But this is not a myth, it is a fact. Imagine if a "friendly" country – let's say the same USA – supplied weapons to Ireland, directed them exclusively at us, and threatened us to remain silent and endure?
Dawalrus9
Nothing, wait, soon Ivan will weaken from the sanctions and get hungry.
TarquinFarquar
For us, NATO is a defensive alliance in the name of the security of European democracies. After the Cold War, I talked a lot with Russians. Moscow and St. Petersburg are now world-class cities, quite a European look and possibilities too.
However, the average Russian considers NATO an insidious threat to Mother Russia - after all, they are stuffed with this nonsense from birth.
BoatyMcBoatface
I met a Russian at one time – I grew up under the USSR. He has been living in the West for a long time. For a whole year I convinced her that NATO is a purely defensive organization. Although otherwise not stupid at all.
