Putin Won't Stop In Ukraine': Former NATO Secretary-General Says Alliance Sent Wrong Signal In 2008

[femmedem]

In an interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discusses how Vladimir Putin's views have changed over the years.

Rasmussen, who was secretary-general between 2009-14, says Putin is obsessed with the idea of restoring the greatness of the Soviet Union and has turned Russia into an international pariah.

Putin Won't Stop In Ukraine': Former NATO Secretary-General Says Alliance Sent 'Wrong Signal' In 2008

RFE/RL: Did the West do enough to deter Putin? So he would not do what he did two weeks ago?

Rasmussen: In hindsight, no. In addition to our outrage, I think we should have done more to deter Putin. Back in 2008, he attacked Georgia, took de facto Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We could have reacted much more determinedly already in that time.

SNIP

RFE/RL: You say that Finland and Sweden should recognize the new reality in Europe and look to join the alliance without delay. Would they be accepted without delay?

Rasmussen: Yes, NATO is prepared to welcome both Finland and Sweden. I would say an application from Finland and Sweden could be approved more or less overnight. And let me add to this: I think it would be in the self-interest of Finland and Sweden to join NATO right now. Because now they have a window of opportunity. Putin is engaged [somewhere else], so that window might soon close again.

So it's right now that Finland and Sweden should use the opportunity to join NATO. And that would send an extremely important signal to Putin, and it would be considered a major defeat for Putin in the current environment.

https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-ukraine-nato-rasmussen-russia-interview/31749844.html

[Lovie777]

1. Russia is already making plans to invade other Eastern Countries . ...

including Poland and Sweden.

[Mike Nelson]

2. Well...

... isn't this obvious? If successful, he will continue. If unsuccessful (or killed), he will stop.

[Itchinjim]

3. Putin can barely take Ukraine.

The sole purpose of Sweden's and Finland's military is to fend off a Russian attack. After their preformince in Ukraine, Putin's army wouldn't stand a chance with them, let alone a NATO force.