Finland must apply to join Nato without delay in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, its president and prime minister have said, confirming a historic change in the Nordic country’s security policy after decades of military non-alignment.
Sauli Niinistö and Sanna Marin made the call in a joint statement, adding: “We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.”
Nato membership would strengthen Finland’s security, the two leaders said, and as a member of Nato: “Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for Nato membership as a matter of urgency.”
Finland shares an 810-mile (1,300km) border with Russia and has long viewed joining the US-led alliance as an unnecessary provocation of Moscow, but Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February has led to a profound shift in its thinking. » | Jon Henley | Thursday, May 12, 2022
NATO will Finnland und Schweden schnell aufnehmen: Die Entscheidung, ob Finnland und Schweden in die NATO aufgenommen werden, soll noch vor dem Gipfel im Juni in Madrid fallen. Das Bündnis will so ein Zeichen der Entschlossenheit an Russland senden – und bereitet sich schon auf Provokationen vor. »
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