From: libertidad@south.south.com   
      
   On Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:30:02 +0100, slider    
   wrote:   
      
   >Russia has warned Finland and Sweden against joining Nato, arguing the   
   >move would not bring stability to Europe.   
   >   
   >Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "the alliance remains   
   >a tool geared towards confrontation"   
   >   
   >US officials expect the Nordic neighbours to bid for membership of the   
   >alliance, potentially as early as June.   
   >   
   >Washington is believed to support the move which would see the Western   
   >alliance grow to 32 members. US State Department officials said last week   
   >that discussions had taken place between Nato leaders and foreign   
   >ministers from Helsinki and Stockholm.   
   >   
   >Before it launched its invasion, Russia demanded that the alliance agree   
   >to halt any future enlargement, but the war has led to the deployment of   
   >more Nato troops on its eastern flank and a rise in public support for   
   >Swedish and Finnish membership.   
   >   
   >Finnish MPs are expected to receive a security report from intelligence   
   >officials this week, and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she expects her   
   >government "will end the discussion before midsummer" on whether to make a   
   >membership application.   
   >   
   >Finland shares a 1,340km (830 miles) long border with Russia and has been   
   >rattled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.   
   >   
   >But Moscow has been clear that it opposes any potential enlargement of the   
   >alliance. Mr Peskov warned the bloc "is not that kind of alliance which   
   >ensures peace and stability, and its further expansion will not bring   
   >additional security to the European continent".   
   >   
   >Last week Mr Peskov said that Russia would have to "rebalance the   
   >situation" with its own measures were Sweden and Finland to join Nato.   
   >   
   >And in February Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman,   
   >warned of "military and political consequences" if the countries joined   
   >the bloc.   
   >   
   >Despite the threats, both countries have pushed ahead with their bids and   
   >stepped up defence spending.   
   >   
   >https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61066503   
      
   Putler is a dunce.  He thought he had Europe and therefore NATO on the   
   hook with Russia's fossil fuels.  He was wrong.   
      
   Now, he has fucked up his 4 day war and possibly will lose it against   
   the Ukrainians.  And he has united Europe against Russia like never   
   before.  And, he has fomented an increase in NATO members - Finland   
   and Sweden.   
      
   What's he going to do now?  His strategic vision and 4D Chessmanship   
   has proven illusory.  He has been exposed as a gigantic conman who   
   conned O'Bama big time but couldn't pull it off against good old Joe   
   and his mate Boris and the rest of the gang.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)