Day 78 Roundup: Finland Announces NATO Bid, Ukraine to Launch War Crimes Trials
The Facts
Finland announced its intention to join NATO on Thurs., bringing the Nordic country which shares a border with Russia a step closer to joining the military alliance. Russia's foreign ministry said Moscow may find itself forced to take "reciprocal steps" to address these "threats to national security."
Sweden is reportedly expected to follow in declaring its intention to join NATO shortly, according to diplomats. UK PM Boris Johnson traveled to both countries on Wed. to sign mutual security agreements.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking their promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.