EXPLAINER- Finland, Sweden on verge of applying to join NATO

Explainer: Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

If Finland joins, it would double the length of the alliance’s border with Russia, adding a further 1,300 kilometers (830 miles) for Moscow to defend.

Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

Not neutral like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden traditionally think of themselves as militarily "nonaligned."

Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

Not neutral like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden traditionally think of themselves as militarily "nonaligned."

Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

Not neutral like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden traditionally think of themselves as militarily "nonaligned."

Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

Not neutral like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden traditionally think of themselves as militarily "nonaligned."

Why Finland, Sweden joining NATO will be big deal

Not neutral like Switzerland, Finland and Sweden traditionally think of themselves as militarily "nonaligned."