Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada is “highly supportive” of Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February, countries have expressed interest in becoming part of a defense and military alliance.
The Finnish Parliament may make a decision in late May, and Sweden may make a decision a few weeks later prior to NATO’s June 29-30 summit in Madrid, Spain. ..
Russia warned against joining them, authorities said it would not contribute to Europe’s stability, and Russia would respond to Helsinki and Stockholm with retaliation measures that would cause “military and political consequences.”
President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine’s refusal to promise not to join NATO was part of the reason for the aggression.
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, the longest border of the European Union.
Last week, the Finnish government issued a security report to lawmakers focusing on supply threats, economic benefits, cybersecurity and hybrid threats, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of potential members.
The Swedish ruling party has begun reviewing security policy options in its final report through May 31st.
Canada, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, supported Ukraine joining the NATO alliance at the 2008 summit, but the bid was blocked.
In early April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on former German and French leaders Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy for blocking their participation.
Membership could have protected Ukraine from future Russian attacks under the Alliance’s Article 5 Collective Defense Guarantee.
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