Finland’s Leaders Call for NATO Membership

“Finland’s leaders said Thursday they’re in favor of rapidly applying for NATO membership, paving the way for a historic expansion of the alliance that could deal a serious blow to Russia as its military struggles with its war in Ukraine,” the AP reports.

“The dramatic move by Finland was announced by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. It means that Finland is all but certain to join NATO, though a few steps remain before the application process can begin. Neighboring Sweden is expected to decide on joining NATO in coming days.”

Wall Street Journal: “Joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization would be a major break from decades of Finnish nonaligned defense policy and deal a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambition to divide and weaken the Western alliance.”