DISINFO: NATO membership is a big mistake for Finland, Sweden; Alliance is collapsing
SUMMARY
People in Finland and Sweden do not understand what they need to join NATO for. It will be a big mistake for them. Deployment of offensive weapons near Russia is a suicidal idea because Russia is a nuclear power. NATO troops may appear near St Petersburg. Finland and Sweden are being dragged into a collapsing alliance.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about NATO enlargement.
In reality, Finland and Sweden decided to apply for NATO membership after Russia again unleashed a war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. By doing so, these two countries are enhancing their security and protect themselves from Russian threats.
NATO and its members deploy military capabilities on the territory of member states in accordance with military plans and operational tasks.
NATO is a defensive alliance and not a threat to Russia. It does not plan to use any kind of these weapons against Russia unless Russia decides to attack a NATO member first. It does not intend to land its troops near St Petersburg or anywhere else in Russia. However, an attack against one ally is considered as an attack against all allies. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty reads:
“The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.”
The alliance is also a political organisation, which aims at solving conflicts by peaceful means. The two sides signed the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation in 1997, one of whose provisions reads: “NATO and Russia do not consider each other as adversaries.”
NATO is not a collapsing alliance. It is robust and active. NATO troops carry out their tasks properly, including peacekeeping operations. The alliance is open to any European state in a position to further the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.
Read more disinformation cases claiming that NATO poses a threat to Russia.