I am hoping Sweden and Finland decide to join NATO as a result of Putin's actions

[Stinky The Clown]

Finland has a very long border with Russia.

[Sogo]

1. Russia threatens 'military and political consequences' if Finland, Sweden try joining NATO

https://thehill.com/policy/international/russia/595853-russia-threatens-military-and-political-consequences-if-finland

[Wounded Bear]

3. Yeah, like in 1939?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_War

The Winter War,[F 7] also known as First Soviet-Finnish War, was a war between the Soviet Union (USSR) and Finland. It began with a Soviet invasion of Finland on 30 November 1939, three months after the outbreak of World War II; the war ended three and a half months later with the Moscow Peace Treaty on 13 March 1940. Despite superior military strength, especially in tanks and aircraft, the Soviet Union suffered severe losses and initially made little headway. The League of Nations deemed the attack illegal and expelled the Soviet Union from the organisation.

The Soviets eventually won, but it wasn't easy.

[Ocelot II]

2. Sweden doesn't want to; they've been neutral (or pretended to be) for decades.

A 2016 article explains this: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/why-sweden-still-hasn-t-joined-nato/ They might be getting closer, but so far neither country is applying for membership. https://www.wavy.com/news/world/finland-sweden-brush-off-moscows-warning-on-joining-nato/

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Both Sweden and Finland are actively cooperating with NATO as a result of Russia right now

[Ocelot II]

6. Has that become a distinction without a difference?

[Celerity]

7. we have for years, we are 2 of the 6 'enhanced partners'

[Celerity]

5. For 2 centuries plus. We have not been in a full military alliance or a war since 1814.

We do already significantly cooperate (as does Finland) with NATO anyway.

Finland, Sweden to receive enhanced access to NATO intel over Ukraine

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216402833

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

8. I don't think Russia would want a war with Finland.

They had one 60 years ago. It didn't go well.
Thank you Simo.

I think the US should put A-10s back in production and maybe send 50 of those we have flying now to Ukraine.