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UK Signs Security Guarantee Deal With Sweden, Finland as They Near NATO Membership

Russia has previously warned both Sweden and Finland of “military-political consequences” if they join NATO.

May 12, 2022

Author

Statecraft Staff
UK Signs Security Guarantee Deal With Sweden, Finland as They Near NATO Membership 
British PM Boris Johnson said that Putin’s “bloodthirsty campaign” had ended the hope of peace in the European continent.
IMAGE SOURCE: NATION WORLD NEWS

During a 24-hour visit to both Sweden and Finland yesterday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed a security guarantee deal with both Nordic countries as they inch ever-closer towards North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership. The deal stipulates that the United Kingdom (UK) guarantees military support in the case of any attack on the two countries, in a clear reference to possible Russian aggression. 

Sweden and Finland’s NATO Membership Coverage:

He began his visit by meeting with Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson. According to a statement by the British government, the pair discussed how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “abhorrent invasion of Ukraine had fundamentally changed international security architecture.”

Johnson remarked that Putin’s “bloodthirsty campaign” had ended the hope of peace in the European continent. To this end, the pair agreed thatrelations with Russia “could never be normalised.”

PM Johnson remarked that the military offensive in Ukraine has “sharpened the focus on European security.” In this regard, Johnson and Anderssen discussed expanding bilateral military cooperation via intelligence-sharing and joint military exercises and development of technology.

Johnson declared, “The many carcasses of Russian tanks that now litter the fields and streets of Ukraine thanks to Swedish-developed, British-built NLAWs certainly speak to how effective that co-operation can be.”

Meanwhile, according to a release by the Swedish government, the new agreement reflects the two countries’ rejection of attempts to undermine or reshape democratic principles in Europe. “Military aggression to change the borders of Europe must never be accepted,” it declared, adding, “Likewise, attempts to challenge the norms, and undermine cooperative fora and institutions that constitute the foundation ofEuropean security must be firmly resisted.”

The statement said the agreement would help counter a wide range of threats such as cyberattacks, organised crime, and climate change. The declaration will provide impetus to Sweden and UK’s existing partnership, which is guided by the 2014 Statement of Intent, the 2016 Programme of Defence Cooperation, and a series of Memoranda of Understanding on defence partnership. 

Anderrson remarked that the agreement was necessary in light of Russia’s “malign action” and “negative behaviour.” She anticipated that Russia will increase its “military presence in this region if Sweden and/or Finland sends in an application.”

Thereafter, Johnson visited Helsinki to meet with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö. According to a release by the UK government, the pair discussed Russia’s “barbaric invasion” of Ukraine, which they said has “changed the equation of European security.”

During his opening remarks, Johnson declared that Russia’s invasion into Ukraine had failed “because of the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people, who have fought back and rallied the world behind them.” Further, Russia’s intentions in Ukraine were challenged as the Ukrainian struggle for freedom has united the world in condemning Russia’s “assault” on international values and principles.

In a reference to Finland’s imminent application to join NATO, Johnson expressed his “staunch support” for the Nordic nation’s “sovereign right to make decisions about its future without fear or influence.” In this regard, he guaranteed the UK’s “unequivocal and steadfast support.” He further highlighted the importance of standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” to combat “traditional and hybrid threats” to northern Europe.

He remarked that the security declaration will deepen the partnership and “take it to unparalleled heights – both latitudinal and metaphorical.” While the details of the agreement were not publicised, he said that it would allow the two countries’ militaries to “train, operate, and exercise together” and combine their “defence and security capabilities”

While Sweden and Finland have historically pursued a policy of military neutrality to avoid being caught in the crossfire between Russia and the West, the Ukraine war has changed its calculations, with public support for NATO membership in both countries now well past 50%.

Moreover, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the alliance would support an expedited application process due to their democratic nature.

Russia, however, has warned that NATO membership would result in “serious military-political consequences” and could push it to deploy nuclear weapons to the Baltics. 

Aside from its verbal threats, last month, Russia began moving its military equipment, including coastal defence systems, toward its 1,340-kilometre-long border with Finland.  Furthermore, earlier this month, Sweden accused Russia of violating its airspace.

At present, Finland and Sweden are beneficiaries of the European Union’s mutual defence clause, but not NATO’s. Therefore, the UK’s declarations on Wednesday provide a stop-gap measure until their applications are approved.

The countries’ announcement regarding their intention to join NATO could be declared this month. Sweden has reportedly asked Finland to delay its announcement so that they can reveal their intention to join the Alliance simultaneously. The two countries are reportedly currently assessing their security options before taking a final call.

Author

Statecraft Staff

Editorial Team

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