Finland moving closer to Nato membership bid

Finland’s president and prime minister have said 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 move by Finland was announced by president Sauli Niinisto and prime minister Sanna Marin.

It means that Finland – which shares an 830-mile border with Russia – is all but certain to join Nato, though a few steps remain before the process begins.

Neighbouring Sweden is expected to decide on joining Nato soon.

The Kremlin reacted to the development by saying the move will not help security in Europe.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s response would depend on what specific steps Nato will take to bring its infrastructure close to Russian borders.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has already moved to strengthen his defences in the west.

Previously, the Kremlin had warned of “military and political repercussions” if Sweden and Finland decide to join Nato.

“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.

During a news conference with Mr Johnson, Mr Niinisto said Moscow could only blame itself should his nation of 5.5 million people become a Nato member.

“You (Russia) caused this. Look at the mirror,” Mr Niinisto said pointedly.

Yesterday, he tweeted that he spoke with Ukrainian 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”.

In 2017, Sweden and Finland joined the Britishled Joint Expeditionary Force, which is designed to be more flexible and respond more quickly than the larger Nato alliance.

It uses Nato standards and doctrine, so it can operate in conjunction with Nato, the United Nations or other multinational coalitions.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Finland and Sweden have been considering whether to abandon their decadesold neutrality.

The latest opinion poll conducted by Finnish public broadcaster YLE showed that 76% of Finns are now in favour of joining Nato.

Speaking to European Union politicians yesterday, Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said that “the war started by Russia jeopardises the security and stability of the whole of Europe”.

Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde tweeted that Finland’s announcement gave an “important message” and Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said there were “strong messages” from Finland’s president and prime minister.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the alliance would welcome Finland and Sweden – both of which have strong, modern militaries – with open arms and expects the accession process to be speedy and smooth.

DAMAGE: A member of staff surveys the heavily-bombed student accommodation in the Ukrainian State Fiscal University in Irpin, near Kyiv.

Finland is likely to begin application to Nato soon.