Finland joined NATO: In a major development, after a year of twists and turns, Finland has officially joined the NATO military alliance, ignoring threats posed by Russia. The latest move is seen as a major blow to Russia as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a historic reorganization of the continent.
Meanwhile, Finland’s Prime Minister Sauli Niinisto said that the era of military non-alignment in the country’s history has ended and a new era has begun.
“Today Finland has become a member of the defense alliance NATO. The era of military non-alignment in our history has ended. A new era has begun,” he said in a statement posted on Twitter.
“Each country maximizes its security. Finland does as well. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and space for maneuvers. As a partner, we have actively participated in NATO activities for a long time. In the future, Finland will contribute. to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence,” he argued.
Finland’s PM says membership was not targeted against anyone
Commenting on the issue, the Prime Minister said that the membership was not targeted against anyone and added that it would not change the foundations or objectives of Finland’s foreign and security policy.
“Finland’s membership is not targeted against anyone. Nor does it change the foundations or objectives of Finland’s foreign and security policy. Finland is a stable and predictable Nordic country that seeks peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.
Russia will take strict action
Minutes after Helsinki joined the now 31-member military alliance, Russia warned of “retaliatory measures” to address “security threats” posed by the newly inducted member. Earlier, it also warned that it would reinforce forces near Finland if NATO sent any additional troops or equipment to its 31st member state.
Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that Moscow “will be forced to take military-technical and other retaliatory measures to counter threats to our national security arising from Finland’s joining NATO.”
It said Finland’s move “marks a fundamental change in the situation in Northern Europe, previously one of the most stable regions in the world.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Finland’s membership reflected the alliance’s anti-Russian course and warned that Moscow would respond depending on the NATO allies’ weapons. But he also tried to downplay the impact, noting that Russia has no territorial disputes with Finland.
It is unclear what additional military resources Russia might send to the Finnish border. Moscow has deployed its most capable military units to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said no more troops would be sent to Finland unless it asked for help.