Two maps show NATO’s growth — and Russia’s isolation — since 1990

A Swedish soldier takes part in exercises on May 17, 2022. Her country, along with Finland, now wants to join NATO.

Over the last 30 years, Russia has become more isolated from the rest of Europe, and maps of the continent show just how drastic the change has been.

The NATO military alliance will be welcomed by both Sweden and Finland, who have been military neutral for decades. Their plans came about after Russia invaded Ukraine.

After a pro-Russia leader was ejected from the country, Russia attacked. After not being admitted to NATO, Ukraine sought military training and assistance from Western countries.

NATO countries are bound to defend each other. The border with Russia is similar to that of Ukraine.

The year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union included several countries that are now independent. Six satellite countries that were part of the Warsaw Pact are now independent.

In 1990, the year after the Berlin Wall fell, Russia dominated the Soviet Union and six allied Warsaw Pact countries.

The former Warsaw Pact countries have joined NATO over the last 32 years. Three countries that were once part of the Soviet Union have joined NATO.

As of 2022, NATO has expanded to let in three former Soviet states and all of the former Warsaw Pact countries.

Admission to NATO could take many months or even be blocked entirely if Sweden and Finn want to join.

Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, objects to the admission of the two countries.