By Janet Ekstract
İSTANBUL (GOLDENHORN AGENCY) -On Thursday, Finland announced its plan to join NATO with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin confirming their country’s intention to join the military alliance “without delay.” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg lauded Finland’s announcement and in a statement said: “Should Finland decide to apply, they would be warmly welcomed into NATO, and the accession process would be smooth and swift.” The NATO chief said that Finland being a NATO member “would strengthen both NATO and Finland’s security.” Stoltenberg also emphasized: “Finland is one of NATO’s closest partners, a mature democracy, a member of the European Union, and an important contributor to Euro-Atlantic security.” Prior to this announcement, Finland remained largely neutral though in 1995, it established a partnership agreement with NATO. Before Russia invaded Ukraine, a majority of Finns were in favor of remaining neutral but after Russia’s invasion, 75 percent of the population came out in favor of NATO membership. In the meantime, Sweden is expected to announce its decision to follow Finland on the membership application on May 15
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the press in Moscow that NATO expanding eastward does “not contribute to security in Eurasia.” Peskov further stated: “We will analyze the situation with Finland’s (possible) accession of NATO and will develop the necessary measures to ensure security.” When Peskov was asked if Finland’s bid to join NATO poses a security threat, he said “definitely.” Analysts and experts commented that they expect a joint application to NATO from Finland and Sweden could be imminent. Finland shares a 1,300 kilometer border with Russia and in light of what happened to Ukraine, Finland has sensed its own obvious vulnerability.
