Finland is eager to join NATO as soon as possible after years of neutrality
Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinistö issued a joint statement this morning stating that Finland must seek for NATO membership as soon as possible.
A recent poll found that nearly three-quarters of Finns support joining the military alliance, which was largely anticipated.
Finnland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, was forced to abandon its longstanding neutrality and military neutrality after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February.
Sweden, Finland’s next-door neighbour, is also exploring NATO membership. Both nations have been cautioned by Moscow not to join.
Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov branded Finland’s NATO membership a danger to Russia and said it “does not make our continent more stable and safe.” according to a statement released Thursday.
If and when NATO’s military infrastructure reaches close enough to Russian border areas, he said, Russia’s response would be based on this. He also said that Russia will study developments and take actions to “keep the situation in balance and maintain our security.”
