How A Possible NATO Expansion Shows Russia's Plans are Backfiring
How A Possible NATO Expansion Shows Russia's Plans are Backfiring
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via a video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on May 20, 2022. Mikhail Metzel/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via a video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on May 20, 2022.
Mikhail Metzel/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty ImagesRussian President Vladimir Putin has used possible NATO expansion to justify invading Ukraine. Now, that invasion might expand the alliance. Finland and Sweden, both formerly neutral Russian neighbors, are applying for membership.
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Finland's ambassador to the U.S., Mikko Hautala, about the stakes of his country's bid to join.
NPR's Emily Feng also talks to historian Mary Elise Sarotte about how we reached this impasse between NATO and Russia.
You can also hear — and see — more on how war games and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are impacting life in Norway from NPR's Quil Lawrence here.
In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Connor Donovan, Gabe O'Connor, Brianna Scott, and Miguel Macias. It was edited by Ashley Brown and Roberta Rampton. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.