Finland’s president and Prime Minister Sauli Niinisto and Sanna Mirella Marin respectively, have called for the country to apply for NATO membership without delay. By so doing the top leaders have set the stage for an expansion of the U.S.-led alliance amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a joint statement on Thursday, the duo expects a decision in the next few days. “NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance,” the statement said.
A special committee will formally announce its decision on Sunday after it has been considered by parliament and other senior political figures.
The report adds that Finland’s declaration of intent to join is expected to be delivered to NATO next week, following which the country will be invited for membership negotiations.
Finland’s neighbour Sweden is also expected to make a decision on joining NATO in the coming days. While the Swedish leadership has not yet made a definitive statement on their stance, it is expected they apply for membership to the alliance in tandem with Finland.
Finland shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia. Until now, it has stayed out of NATO to avoid antagonising its eastern neighbour.
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that his country has penned a defense pact with Sweden and Finland ahead of their NATO membership decision. Johnson stated that under this pact the U.K. will come to the assistance of Sweden and Finland incase they were attacked. Speaking at separate press conferences, the leaders of Finland and Sweden said Putin’s aggression against Ukraine was a significant reason for them to consider joining NATO. Niinisto said Moscow only had itself to blame if Finland joined stating, “You (Russia) caused this. Look at the mirror.”
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