Finland President Sauli Ninisto today is expected to officially announce the country’s intention to apply for joining NATO, the Finnish and World press writes about this. Immediately after the Finns, the Swedes intend to speak with the same announcement.
Reuters, citing five unnamed diplomats at once, confirms repeatedly sounding assumptions that Finland and Sweden will be accepted into NATO very quickly. Both countries have long and closely cooperate with the Alliance and do not need a long period of adaptation to its rules.
According to the Finnish and World press, President Ninistu is going to make a statement about NATO in the morning, after which he will be officially supported by all the fractions of the parliament.
during the very next days, Sweden intends to speak with the same statement, and next week two countries will file official petitions for joining NATO.
Sweden was a neutral country for two centuries, Finland – almost 80 years, and before the attack of Russia on Ukraine, most citizens of both countries were against joining military blocs. But after February 24, the picture changed dramatically. Now, according to the latest survey, 76% of Finns for joining NATO. Against – only 12%, writes the Russian BBC service. Great Britain, the United States and other NATO countries promise Sweden and Finland guarantees of security for the period from the application to the official entry into the Alliance. This week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed with both countries the declaration of mutual assistance in the event of an attack.