Navigating Diplomatic Waters: NATO, Russia, and Finland's Strategic Moves

Russian 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.

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