NATO BULKS UP

hELSINKI: Finland will announce a bid to join NATO on May 12 in a move that will be mirrored by Sweden within days.

In Finland, the Iltalehti newspaper reported that the country, which borders Russia, will formally apply to NATO via a statement next week from Sauli Niinisto, the Finnish President.

Stockholm is expected to follow suit following talks between the Finnish and Swedish foreign ministers, Pekka Haavisto and Ann Linde.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has said both memberships will be fast-tracked.