Finland’s wish to join Nato provokes Russia
FINLAND’S president and prime minister yesterday said that they are in favour of rapidly applying for Nato membership “without delay,” paving the way for the alliance to expand amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The dramatic move by Finland was announced by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. It means that Finland is all but certain to join Nato, though a few steps remain before the application process can begin. Neighbouring Sweden is expected to decide on joining Nato in the coming days.
Russia reacted to the development with a warning. The Foreign Ministry said that, if Finland joins Nato, it will “inflict serious damage to RussianFinnish relations as well as stability and security in Northern Europe”.
The ministry added: “Russia will be forced to take retaliatory steps of military-technical and other characteristics in order to counter the emerging threats to its national security,”
“History will determine why Finland needed to turn its territory into a bulwark of military face-off with Russia while losing independence in making its own decisions.”
The ministry’s statement follows Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s comment earlier yesterday that Finland’s decision would not help stability and security in Europe.
Mr Peskov said that Russia’s response will depend on Nato’s moves to expand its infrastructure closer to the Russian borders. Previously, the Kremlin had warned of
“military and political repercussions” if Sweden and Finland decide to join Nato.
Should the Scandinavian neighbours apply, there will be an interim period lasting from when an application has been handed in until all 30 Nato member countries’ parliaments have ratified it.
“Nato membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of Nato, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance,” Mr Niinisto and Ms Marin said in a 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.”
The statement came a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited both Finland and Sweden to sign a military co-operation agreement. The UK pledged on Wednesday to come to the aid of Sweden and Finland if the two Nordic nations came under attack.
Yesterday, Mr Niinisto revealed that he spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky about Finland’s firm support for Ukraine and the country’s intention to join Nato. Mr Niinisto said that Mr Zelensky “expressed his full support for it”.
Russian forces pounded areas in Ukraine’s east and north yesterday, as the combat continued.
Russian rocket strikes killed one person and wounded three in a suburb of Kharkiv, the regional governor said yesterday.
Overnight airstrikes in Chernihiv killed three people and wounded 12, according to local media citing emergency services.