You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Europe
Sweden and Finland 'agree to both apply for NATO membership in May' in defiance of Russian threats
2022-04-26
Posted by:Skidmark

#9  One might get the idea that Russia fears fighting the Finns.

The army defends the national territory and its military strategy employs the use of the heavily forested terrain and numerous lakes to wear down an aggressor, instead of attempting to hold the attacking army on the frontier. With an arsenal of 700 howitzers, 700 heavy mortars and 100 multiple rocket launchers, Finland has the largest artillery in western Europe (Pictures at link). Homeland defence willingness against a superior enemy is at 76%, one of the highest rates in Europe

They paid their own way and developed an effective military. I doubt they will become a drain like the Germans and Frnech.
Posted by: Chealing Chomotle4158   2022-04-26 19:49  

#8  The Russian SOB's would all be speaking German today had it not been for the US assistance in WWII. Of course, good communists that they are, they've forgotten all about that chapter in history.
Posted by: Besoeker   2022-04-26 14:48  

#7  Russia pulled out the nuke card early and keeps waving it around. At this point, it is clear that is the only card they have left.

This needs NATO to pull a Tombstone move where they state, "You die first get it? Your counterstrike might kill our side but not before I turn you, your family, your generals and their family and your oligarchs and their family into radioactive dust. Get it?"
Posted by: DarthVader   2022-04-26 14:33  

#6  I think this is a good move. Now, what about Moldova? Not exactly a power move, but since Putin has already said "They are Next" I would put a stick in his eye. Don't get suckered into sending troops or 'rebuilding' these nations, but make the line clear.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike   2022-04-26 14:27  

#5  #4: put-up or shut-up. good. can't keep backing away from loud-mouths.
Posted by: irish rage boy   2022-04-26 12:44  

#4  ..we're on the tab for everyone else in NATO. Either get out all together or 'so what?'. At what point do you look'em the eye and respond likewise. They'll keep using the threat against everything and anything as long as you flinch.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2022-04-26 11:29  

#3  But do we really need this? Are we willing to risk nuclear war to protect Helsinki or Malmo?
Posted by: Tom   2022-04-26 10:43  

#2  All he had to do was keep his mouth shut. His paranoia is creating a self fulfilling prophecy.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2022-04-26 06:36  

#1  ...And it looks like there will also be formal security arrangements to cover the time between application and admittance.

Volodya's gonna have a hissy like you wouldn't believe.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski   2022-04-26 04:53  

00:01