Finland Defies Russia, Asserts Its Right To Join NATO

Finland’s public broadcaster reports:

In addition to urging residents to get vaccinated against Covid, Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s (SDP) New Year’s message emphasized Finland’s possibility to apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“Finland retains the option of applying for NATO membership,” Marin said as Russia has demanded the western alliance halt its eastward expansion. “We should uphold this freedom of choice and make sure it remains a reality, as this is part of every country’s right to decide on its own security policies.”

Last month, President Sauli Niinistö said NATO membership is between applicants and NATO —not Russia – with Finland retaining the option to join the alliance.

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Marin [photo] was elected in 2019 at the age of 34, becoming the world’s youngest national leader.