For this. Finland will apply to join NATO

Finlandwho shares with Russia Reuters reports that the 1,300 km border and turbulent past have gradually strengthened cooperation with NATO as a partner since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

But the country has so far refrained from joining North Atlantic Alliance. Facing the invasion Russia However, Finland has changed its policy in this regard to Ukraine. The opinion of the Finns themselves also changed.

General support to join For this In recent months, it has risen to unprecedented levels. A recent poll by public broadcaster YLE, citing Reuters, showed that 76 percent. Finns support and only 12 percent. In contrast, while previously for years — until February 24, 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine — support for NATO membership was only about 25 percent.

In early May Finland It also signed a Declaration on Closer Security Cooperation with Great Britain. According to the Finnish media, in practice this means that in the event of an attack by Russia, the Finns will be supported by a multinational expeditionary force.

According to Swedish media reports, the government of this country will hold a meeting next Monday to make an official decision on the request Sweden to join For this. According to the daily Express, quoting its sources, the proposal will be presented immediately after the meeting, provided that “nothing unexpected happens.”

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö is scheduled to come to Sweden on Tuesday 17 May for a two-day visit, during which he will hold “bilateral talks” with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.