At some point Ukraine would have been included in NATO. Indeed over the horizon EU membership as well. By doing what Putin has he has pretty well stopped that. This event has made it clear to Washington. Don't even think. Thus we can call this pre-emptive. Had Russia taken such posture in 1990s NATO would still be parked on River Oder. But then Boris was too busy supping bottles of Vodka ... !
Finland says debate on NATO membership ‘will change’ after Russian invasion
Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the debate around NATO membership within her country.”Finland is not currently facing an immed…
thehill.com
Finland says debate on NATO membership 'will change' after Russian invasion
Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the debate around NATO membership within her country.
"Finland is not currently facing an immediate military threat, but it is also now clear that the debate on NATO membership in Finland will change," Marin said, YLE News reported.
Finland has been debating for months whether the country should apply for NATO membership, with Marin saying it would require broad support for the country to move forward with an application.
Finland and Sweden, who are both not officially members of NATO, will be at a summit the alliance will host Friday.
Finland's president, Sauli Niinistö, condemned Russia’s attack and President Vladimir Putin, saying "the mask has now come off and only the cold face of war is visible,” according to YLE.