BREAKING: Finland's president and prime minister say they’re in favor of applying for NATO membership, paving the way for the alliance to expand amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The U.K. pledged on Wednesday to come to the aid of Sweden and Finland if the two Nordic nations came under attack.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Finland and Sweden have been pondering whether to abandon their historic, decades-old neutrality and join the 30-member NATO. Haavisto said that Russia’s unpredictable behavior is a serious concern for Finland, notably Moscow’s readiness to wage “high-risk operations” that could lead to many casualties, including among Russians themselves.
During the Cold War, Finland stayed away from NATO to avoid provoking the Soviet Union, instead opting to remain a neutral buffer between the East and the West while maintaining good relations with Moscow and also with the United States.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Finland’s leaders back NATO bid; Ukraine makes gains near KharkivUkraine's successful counterstrikes have eased Russia's artillery bombardment of Kharkiv, but the conflict continues to disrupt European crop exports and drive up food costs around the globe. Follow our live coverage.
Read more »
Finland leaders say country 'must apply for NATO membership without delay'JUST IN: Finland's president and prime minister announced their support for an application for NATO membership — setting in motion a process that will culminate in the alliance's 9th enlargement since its founding in 1949
Read more »
Crucial NATO Decisions Expected in Finland, Sweden This WeekTo join or not to join? The NATO question is coming to a head this week for the two Nordic countries.
Read more »
Finland's Leaders Say Country Should Apply for NATO Membership ‘Without Delay'Finland has had a decades-long policy of military neutrality that would come to an end if it becomes a full member of the military alliance.
Read more »
Finland's prime minister and president say they back joining NATOFinland’s president and prime minister say they’re in favor of applying for NATO membership, paving the way for the alliance to expand in response to...
Read more »
Finland's Leaders in Favor of Applying for NATO MembershipFinland’s president and prime minister say they’re in favor of applying for NATO membership. The announcement by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday paves the way for the alliance to expand amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. It means Finland is virtually certain to seek NATO membership though a few steps remain before the application process can begin. Neighboring Sweden is expected to decide on joining NATO in coming days.
Read more »