They write, vladimir putin hoped that invading ukraine would make it splinter. this is a reminder that the bloc s growth is a response to and not the cause of russia s aggression. finland and sweden wouldn t be alliance free loaders. their strategic location in the baltic sea could be critical in a wider conflict with russia. finland already punches above its weight militarily and sweden can announce its defense spending increases. a secure europe serves american interests. joe, i just wonder, does it, or does it ratchet up thetension? the white house as well as most allies understand nato makes all the difference in the