Poll says Sweden & Finland shouldn’t need any more motivation to join NATO

According to a new poll, Sweden and Finland “should not require any encouragement” from the UK to join NATO.

Sweden and Finland are on the verge of abandoning their neutrality and joining NATO in response to Russian officials’ repeated threats to deter opposition. While joining the alliance would ensure their security, experts warn that it could backfire on the West, with the risk of NATO welcoming new allies escalating the Ukraine conflict into a world war.

Moscow announced last week that it would develop nuclear weapons in the Baltics alongside its ground and air forces in the event that the Scandinavian countries join the alliance.

Dmitry Medvedev, a member of Russia’s security council and a former president, said his country would need to “reinforce” its borders with Finland and Sweden.

He added that any discussion of the Baltics obtaining “nuclear-free status” would come to an end in this instance.

As a result, Express.co.uk polled readers on whether the United Kingdom should encourage Sweden and Finland to join NATO.

From midday on Friday, April 22, to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, Express.co.uk polled readers on the following question: “Should the UK encourage Sweden and Finland to join NATO after Russia’s threats?”

A total of 1,417 readers voted, with an overwhelming majority – 82 percent (1,166 people) – responding “yes” to the question of whether the UK should encourage Sweden and Finland to join NATO.

A further 16% (230 people) responded “no,” while 2% (21 people) stated they were unsure.

Dozens of comments were left beneath the accompanying poll, with readers expressing their opinions on Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Sweden and Finland are already NATO partners, which means that they can participate in training exercises and receive briefings despite not being full members.

NATO membership requires approval from all 30 NATO member states and can take up to a year to process.

Numerous individuals expressed support for Sweden and Finland joining NATO, with username mfj2305 writing: “Should not require any encouragement.”

While username DaWilko said: “Of course, we should.”

Username IoW said: “If they don’t then they cannot expect any help from NATO when Putin attacks them.”

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