By Patrick Smith
Finland's leaders announced on Thursday their intention for the country to join NATO "without delay", a move that would bolster the strength of the Western military alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and redraw Europe's security map.
The Nordic nation, which shares an 810-mile (1,303-kilometre) border with Russia, is expected to receive a quick accession to join the alliance, and neighboring Sweden appears poised to follow up with its own bid in the coming days.
[NATO activates its defense troops for the first time in history to deter Russia from extending its attack to other countries]
President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced their support for the country's NATO bid in a joint statement early Thursday.
“Joining NATO would strengthen Finland's security.
As a NATO member, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance,” Niinistö and Marin reported.
“Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.
We hope that the national steps still necessary to make this decision will be taken quickly in the coming days," they added.
Finland has traditionally been neutral from a military point of view and has maintained good relations with Moscow, but the war in Ukraine has led the country to rethink its security and self-determinism.
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The move is a sign of European unity and opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression, with Western countries moving to counter fears the Kremlin wants to restore Russian power over neighbors beyond Ukraine.
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The end of Ukraine's longstanding desire to join NATO and the withdrawal of Western troops from the region were central to Putin's demands before the war, but Finland's accession would double Russia's border with the transatlantic alliance.
Asked Wednesday whether Finland would provoke Russia by joining NATO, Niinistö said it would be Putin's fault.
“My answer would be that you have caused this.
Look in the mirror,” he stated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto speak during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on October 29, 2021.Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
If Finland were to become a full member of NATO, it would be bound by Article 5, under which all members, including the United States, come to the defense of any other member that is attacked.
Swayed by the eagerness and speed of its Finnish neighbors, Sweden is also expected to signal its intention to join the alliance in the coming days.
[US Announces New Sanctions Against Putin, G7 Countries Move Toward Banning Russian Oil & Gas]
Russia's Foreign Ministry earlier warned of "serious military and political consequences" if either country joined the 30-nation alliance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has previously said that it would be possible to allow Finland and Sweden to join “quite quickly”.
Member countries are likely to discuss Finland's request at a summit in Madrid, Spain, on June 28.
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Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told European Union (EU) lawmakers on Thursday that the country would make an important contribution to regional security.
"If Finland decides to apply for membership, it would enhance the security and stability of the Baltic Sea region and northern Europe," Haavisto explained in a video.
“We are convinced that Finland would bring added value to NATO.
Our defense forces wartime strength is 280,000 soldiers, and the trained reserve is 900,000 men and women,” he detailed.
[The United States provided information to Ukraine for the sinking of the Russian flagship Moskva]
Finland will not formally join Article 5 during its application process, but NATO members are expected to offer it security guarantees against any repercussions from the Kremlin.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that he had agreed new agreements with Sweden and Finland to bolster European security, pledging to support the armed forces of both countries if they are attacked.
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NATO, formally the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was founded in 1949 as a way for Western powers to respond to the growing power and influence of the Soviet Union.
While Norway was one of the founding members, Finland has so far been reluctant to fully join the alliance.
However, Finland intensified its collaboration with NATO after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
With a modern and well-equipped armed forces consistent with NATO operations and standards, and an advanced military intelligence network, analysts see Finland as a natural fit both ideologically and practically.
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Finnish public opinion has leaned heavily towards membership in recent weeks, with 76% in favor and 12% against, according to a recent poll by public broadcaster YLE.
Support for membership used to hover around 25% in pre-war Ukraine polls.
Finland fought two wars against Russia between 1939 and 1944 and foiled an invasion attempt, but lost 10% of its territory in the process.
