Sweden

Until now, joining Nato has been seen as beyond the pale for the traditionally-neutral Sweden and Finland, but some feel Russia's actions could change that.

Sweden has held neutrality for 200 years and as it relies on trade with both the United States and Russia it has sought to stay that way. Perhaps because it shares a 1,340km border with Russia, ensuring it can protect itself has since been a high priority for Finland and with it the belief that it does not need Nato to remain secure. Finland is part of Nato’s Partnership for Peace programme, however, that allows flexible cooperation between the two parties and is generally seen as a trust-building outfit that may eventually lead to a full Nato membership.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine extends Moscow's military power to the borders of several NATO members, NATO partners Finland and Sweden can be part of an ...

The spokeswoman has recently been added to the EU’s sanctions list over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They have responded by tightening bilateral military cooperation and fostering more ties with NATO. As such, they have options when it comes to cooperation. Earlier on Friday (26 February), as NATO leaders were meeting in Brussels, Russia accused NATO and the US of trying to lure Finland and Sweden into the alliance. Finland and Sweden’s policies of military non-alignment have persisted to the present, although renewed threats of Russian aggression are prompting conversations of potential NATO membership. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine extends Moscow’s military power to the borders of several NATO members, NATO partners Finland and Sweden can be part of an intensified exchange of information and NATO’s strategic communication.

Poland and Sweden insisted Saturday they will not play Russia in World Cup play-offs as Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich handed over control of the ...

That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC." Poland are scheduled to play in Moscow on March 24 while the Swedes would be away to Russia were both to win their play-offs. "The time for talking is over. "I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart. It is time to act. Abramovich said Saturday he was handing over the "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to the trustees of its charitable foundation.

Poland and Sweden will not play a Qatar 2022 playoff in March in Moscow after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine.

But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will not play against Russia in March.” Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF “In light of the escalation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a match against Russian Republic,” the president of the Polish Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, said on Saturday.

The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) have joined their Polish counterparts in announcing they will refuse to play Russia in their upcoming World Cup ...

But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will not play against Russia in March," Nilsson said. Poland captain Robert Lewandowski said: "It is the right decision! "The Federal Board also urges FIFA to cancel the play-off matches in March in which Russia participates."

Poland's FA and players said they will not play their World Cup qualifying playoff against Russia next month because of the invasion of Ukraine, with Sweden ...

The Swedish FA tweeted: “The men’s national team will not play against Russia – regardless of where the match is played. I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. We are in talks with Swedish and Czech association to bring forward a joint statement to Fifa.”