Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for NATO Membership ‘Without Delay’

Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for NATO Membership ‘Without Delay’

Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for , NATO Membership ‘Without Delay’.

CNN reports that on May 12, Finland President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin advocated for joining NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

CNN reports that on May 12, Finland President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin advocated for joining NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security.

As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance.

, Finland President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin, via joint statement.

Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.

We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days, Finland President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin, via joint statement.

Finland, a traditionally neutral country, shares an 800-mile border with Russia.

Finland, a traditionally neutral country, shares an 800-mile border with Russia.

On May 12, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to the possibility of Finland joining NATO.

Finland’s entry into NATO will become a threat to Russia.

The next expansion of NATO does not make our continent more stable and secure, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, via statement, as reported by CNN.

Of course, all this will become elements for a special analysis and development of the necessary measures in order to balance the situation and ensure our security, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, via statement, as reported by CNN.

CNN reports that since Russia attacked Ukraine, polls show that nearly 80% of citizens in Finland support joining NATO, up from about 30% previously.

The move must be approved by parliament and other governing bodies, .

But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Finland would be "warmly welcomed" into the international alliance