PeterS

Any hope Putin might have had to keep NATO in check seems to have failed with the imminent addition of Finland and Sweden dwarfing any footprint that Ukraine might have had on Russia's border.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putin-s-nato-backfire-how-finnish-swedish-forces-compare-with-ukraine-s/ar-AAXkT2H?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=6c09a1e9402c4bca90258453fa67457e

If Ukraine had joined NATO as Russian President Vladimir Putin once feared, it would have added an extra 210,000 troops and 2,550 tanks to the alliance's military strength, bringing the total up to at least 3.7 million personnel, including troops, personnel and civilian fighters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin waves during the Victory Day Parade at Red Square on May 9, 2022 in Moscow, Russia. Finland and Sweden have both dramatically increased military spending since Putin made the decision to invade Ukraine on February 24, and have announced their intention to join NATO

Putin has always justified his invasion of Ukraine as a means to stop the eastward expansion of the 30-strong Western military alliance but Finland and Sweden have both dramatically increased military spending since the war began on February 24. The two countries have announced their intention to join NATO, signaling that Putin's war aims to prevent the alliance from getting stronger are backfiring.

Moscow has been quick to warn that the two countries move to join the alliance will be met by "retaliatory steps," including the deployment of nuclear weapons.

However, Sweden's ruling party approved the country's bid to join NATO on Sunday, as well as Finnish politicians calling for their country to join the alliance "without delay." The decisions to end decades of neutrality are almost entirely motivated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Finland has an 807-mile border with Russia, fought two wars against the Soviet Union and is increasingly concerned about its security.

Finland and Sweden's governments are expected to formally submit a joint-membership application to the 30-member alliance as soon as the decisions are ratified.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

It would take a total lack of intelligence or knowledge to support that.

I rest my case

The only reason they have to join NATO is to protect themselves from Russia.
The only reason they need protection from Russia is joining NATO.

NATO, with American guidance, has broken all of its promises to Russia to not expand NATO.
Sort of like America broke every treaty they ever signed with the American Indians.
I guess they had a lot of practice getting ready for NATO.

amadjuster Loc: Texas Panhandle

So you favor the Russians?

RandyBrian Loc: Texas

He did not say that in any form or fashion. Are you a natural ass, or are you just practicing?

amadjuster Loc: Texas Panhandle

I'm sorry. I was expecting him to explain. Who are you and why did you decide to enter into the discussion that did not involve you? I wasn't picking a fight with him, I was just asking a question. However, you seem to be some kind of an asshole.

RandyBrian Loc: Texas

Not usually, but I AM from Texas, where toilet paper is usually used on aholes, so I thought I would toss a few rolls in your direction. If I misinterpreted your response, my sincere apologies. It has become common practice on the left that if ANYone at ANYtime says ANYthing unhateful about Putin, Trump, or the war, then he is automatically a Putin lover and a Russian supporter. I thought that is what you were stating, so again, apologies.
Now, as for me jumping in, this is a public forum and your text popped up, so here I am. Involved.

amadjuster Loc: Texas Panhandle

I'm glad you have a lot of toilet paper. Perhaps you were one of the folks who hoarded it. I'm from Texas, too, but I think I'm from an older generation who were taught to not butt in. And as far as jumping to a conclusion, well sir, he sure approached it as being anti NATO and, therefore, pro Putin. Why don't we let him defend his statements, hmm?

RandyBrian Loc: Texas

Okay.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

If only there were a third option🤔🤔🤔

RandyBrian Loc: Texas

That would be nice. Say, like accept the fact that Trump, Putin, Pelosi, Schiff, Biden, all of them have some good points. There is nothing wrong with noticing or acknowledging those good points on occasion. And yet to the left, ALL political opponents are corrupt, mentally deranged, and the spawn of Satan. Therefore, unless you actively HATE Trump and Putin, and spit whenever their names are mentioned, you must be pro Putin.

amadjuster Loc: Texas Panhandle

I really believe you can hate Putin based on his track record alone.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Astonishingly, you can hate Putin and NATO.... Bizarre

amadjuster Loc: Texas Panhandle

Why would I hate NATO?

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

You might not...

Others have their reasons...

RandyBrian Loc: Texas

Sure you can, and most people do condemn him and his actions. Nevertheless, my point is that if you say he planned an effective battle strategy, or if he seems to be popular in Russia, or if he he wears nice cloths, or anything else non-critical, almost everyone on the left immediately accuse you of supporting what Russia is doing in Ukraine. They have the same attitude with President Trump, Governor DeSantis, and others. In woke culture NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO SAY ANYTHING that is even remotely complimentary about one of their targets. It has to be hatred, ridicule, and venom 24/7.
Not a good, moral,or mentally healthy way to look on life.