HELSINKI/KHARKIV, Ukraine, May 12 (Reuters) - Finland said on Thursday it would apply to join NATO 'without delay', with Sweden expected to follow, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine looked set to bring about the very expansion of the Western military ...
HELSINKI/KHARKIV, Ukraine, May 12 - Finland said on Thursday it would apply to join NATO"without delay", with Sweden expected to follow, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine looked set to bring about the very expansion of the Western military alliance that Vladimir Putin aimed to prevent.
Finland and Sweden are the two biggest EU countries yet to join NATO. Finland’s 1,300-km border will more than double the length of the frontier between the U.S.-led alliance and Russia, putting NATO guards a few hours’ drive from the northern outskirts of St Petersburg. Five diplomats and officials told Reuters that NATO allies expect both countries to be granted membership quickly, paving the way for an increased troop presence in the Nordic region to defend them during a one-year ratification period.
Finland in particular has centuries of uneasy history in Russia’s shadow. Ruled by the Russian empire from 1809-1917, it fought off Soviet invasions on the eve of World War Two, and accepted some Soviet influence as the price of avoiding taking sides in the Cold War. Since it and Sweden joined the EU in 1995, they have aligned more firmly with the West.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Finland and Sweden set to apply for Nato membershipOfficials say the countries should be accepted swiftly, as Russian invasion of Ukraine persists
Read more »
UK signs pledge to defend Sweden and Finland during Nato bidsDeals follow similar assurances from the US and Germany
Read more »
UKRAINE UPDATE: 12 MAY 2022: Putin probably won’t take on Nato, says US; Russia’s economy shows more signs of strainUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t want to escalate the war into a full-blown conflict with Nato.
Read more »
Finland must apply for NATO membership 'without delay', Finnish leaders say - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Finland's president and prime minister said on Thursday their country must apply to join the NATO military alliance 'without delay', a major policy shift triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
NATO to welcome Nordic members as Ukraine pushes back Russian forces - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Finland is expected to announce on Thursday its intention to join NATO with Sweden likely to follow soon after, diplomats and officials said, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshapes European security and the Atlantic military alliance.
Read more »
Finland must apply for NATO membership 'without delay', Finnish leaders say - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Finland's president and prime minister said on Thursday their country must apply to join the NATO military alliance 'without delay', a major policy shift triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »