NATO chief says Finland, Sweden welcome to apply to join

BRUSSELS – NATO would quickly welcome Finland and Sweden into its ranks if they decided to apply, the military alliance’s top civilian official said Wednesday, as Russia’s war on Ukraine spurs public support in the two Nordic countries. The military organization might also be ready to provide security guarantees to the countries if any potential membership bid angers Russia, NATO Secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said. A poll last month showed that more than 50% of Finns support joining the Western military alliance.