Finland makes decision about NATO: Statement from officials to apply for membership

The president and prime minister of Finland have announced today that they are in favor of applying for NATO membership. Russia’s incursion into Ukraine has pushed Finland and Sweden, which have so far maintained their silence on military issues, to deepen their relations with NATO. It was discussed for a long time whether the two countries would join the NATO alliance.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER

Finland gave the first signal about the issue today. The President and prime minister of Finland announced that they were in favor of applying for NATO membership. The written statement by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin means that it is almost certain that Finland will join NATO membership. Neighboring Sweden is similarly expected to make the decision to join NATO in the coming days.

SPECIAL INVITATION FROM STOLTENBERG

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that if Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance, this request will be processed quickly.

THREATS FROM RUSSIA

Russia had warned both countries about NATO before and announced that it would take its own measures if they became members.

“If Finland joins NATO, it will become a legitimate target of Russia and ensure the destruction of their country,” Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov had said, openly threatening Finland.