Putin Visits Kaliningrad Day After Türkiye Approves Sweden's NATO Bid

Summary

Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership bid after 20 months ends a protracted deadlock. The US urged Congress to quickly approve an F-16 fighter jet sale to Turkey in return. Sweden and Finland abandoned neutrality to join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Experts say this will intensify conflict with Russia, converting Scandinavia from a peaceful region to a NATO frontline. While a Baltic clash seems unlikely, militarization and an arms race could occur. Overall this strengthens NATO but is not good for regional stability and risks provoking a Russian response.

Takeaways

• 😊 Turkey has approved Sweden's bid to join NATO after 20 months, removing a key obstacle
• 👀 The move came after Sweden addressed Turkey's concerns over terrorism
• ✈️ Biden urged Congress to quickly approve sale of F-16 jets to Turkey following the ratification
• 😠 Russia sees Sweden's NATO accession as an attempt to weaken it by controlling Baltic sea
• 😤 Hungary remains the only obstacle now to Sweden joining NATO
• 🤝 The approval could mean lifting of sanctions on Turkey by US and Canada
• ❓ Hungary's opposition seems to be payback over criticism of its record on liberal democracy
• ✅ The US sees it as a win for Biden administration in gaining more loyal allies
• ⚔️ The Baltics could become next hotspot between Russia & NATO with increased militarization
• 😰 A Russia-NATO war still unlikely as it would be nuclear but tensions could rise

Q & A

What was the main reason behind Sweden and Finland deciding to abandon their neutrality and join NATO?

Sweden and Finland abandoned their decades of neutrality to join NATO citing Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

What are the three main seas that border Russia to the west that Western maritime powers have historically aimed to contain and weaken Russia's access to?

The three main seas on Russia's western borders are the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic in the high north.

How could Sweden's NATO membership enhance America's ability to control the Baltic Sea?

With Finland and Sweden joining NATO plus the US developing a military base in Norway, this will enhance America's ability to control the Baltic Sea and convert it into a NATO lake.

What concessions did Turkey gain from Sweden in exchange for approving its NATO membership bid?

Turkey gained concessions from Sweden on its concerns regarding terrorism. Turkey also gained sanctions relief from the US and Canada on defense parts in exchange for approving Sweden's NATO bid.

Why has Hungary opposed Sweden's NATO membership bid?

Hungary's opposition to Sweden's NATO bid is speculated to be payback for criticisms of Hungary, particularly regarding the quality of liberal democracy there.

How could the Baltics become a potential hotspot between Russia and NATO?

The Baltics have always been a clashing point given they control the exit for the Baltic Sea for Russia. With Sweden in NATO, tensions could heighten, though outright war still remains unlikely.

What challenges exist to the idea that NATO could control the entire Baltic Sea?

Kaliningrad and a part of the Baltic Sea belonging to Russia where the Baltic fleet is headquartered pose challenges to the idea of NATO fully controlling the Baltic Sea.

Why is Sweden's NATO membership seen as a defeat for Russia?

Sweden joining NATO is seen as a defeat for Russia because it is something Russia did not want to happen but ended up happening anyway.

Why is outright war between NATO and Russia over the Baltics still unlikely?

War between NATO and Russia is still unlikely because any war would likely turn nuclear, which neither side has an interest in fighting.

What parallels exist between Sweden's NATO membership bid and historical attempts to contain Russia?

Current developments parallel the 1617 Treaty of Stolbovo which gave Sweden full control of the Baltic Sea to contain Russia, though Russia later militarily broke out of isolation.