* The Nordic countries are closer to joining Nato in the wake of Russian threats
* Vladimir Putin had demanded that Nato not expand its membership last week
* The threats have backfired with the US and Russia at odds over Ukraine
Finland and Sweden are 'closer than ever' to joing Nato after Russian threats backfired.
Vladimir Putin's demands that the US ban the Nordic nations from the alliance has made their joining more likely in the wake of heightened tensions around Russian troops along the border with Ukraine.
Sweden and Finland have been unaligned with a major military power since the Cold War but Russian rhetoric over an invasion of Ukraine has pushed them closer to Nato.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Kremlin has responded .... Moscow warns Finland and Sweden against joining Nato amid rising tensions (EU Today).
More News On The Possibility Of Finland And Sweden Joining NATO
Will Finland and Sweden Join NATO? -- Foreign Policy
Finland says it reserves right to join NATO despite opposition from Russia -- NYPost
Finland says it could join NATO despite pressure from Russia as tensions grow over possible invasion of Ukraine -- Daily Mail
Swedish PM insists on right to set alliances in defiance of Russia -- The Local
Sweden Talks NATO With Finland as Supreme Commander Slams Russian Security Proposals -- Sputnik
Swedish defence strategy in tatters if Russian demands met - military chief -- Euronews