What has Happened: Key decision-makers in Finland and Sweden are expected to announce their positions on NATO membership later this week. Sweden and Finland signed a mutual defense treaty with the United Kingdom on Wednesday May 11th, which is likely a pre-cursor to applying for broader membership in NATO. Historically, Sweden has avoided military alliances and Finland declared neutrality after its defeat by the Soviet Union in World War II. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine (and possible Russian ambitions beyond Ukraine) have changed the mindset of both nations’ leaders. Russia (which shares an 800-mile border with Finland) has warned ... SITREP – Will Finland and Sweden Join NATO