Finland will apply for NATO membership.
The leader of Finland has said that the country should apply to NATO “without delay” while the Russian aggression of Ukraine continues.
It was President Sauli Niinisto who made the announcement as he said the country, which shares a 1,300-kilometer border and a difficult past with Russia, should apply for membership in the organization.
In a joint statement with Prime Minister Sanna Marin, they said: “We hope that the national steps that are still needed to make this decision will be taken quickly within the next few days.”
“Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we express our positions, also for informing parliamentary groups and parties.”
“NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. “As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance.”
“Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.”
Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Finland has increased its cooperation with NATO as one of its “partner” countries. But she has not actually joined the alliance to maintain good relations with its eastern neighbor.