Finland submits application to join NATO.

In a joint statement on May 12, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said: “Becoming a NATO member will enhance Finland’s security. As a NATO member, Finland will also help strengthen the entire defense alliance. Finland must apply to join NATO without further delay. We expect the remaining necessary steps to implement this decision to be completed within the next few days.”".

According to AP, statements from President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin mean Finland is almost certain to apply for NATO membership, although there are still some steps before the application process can begin. Meanwhile, neighboring Sweden is expected to decide whether or not to apply for NATO membership in the coming days.

Finland, with its 1.300-kilometer border and difficult past with Russia, has historically remained outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, maintaining neutrality and friendly relations with its eastern neighbor.

Finland's move was predictable, after the government submitted a national security report to parliament mentioning the possibility of joining NATO.

Since Russia began its military campaign in Ukraine, public support in Finland for joining NATO has increased from 30% to 80%. According to CNN, after the Finnish parliament approves the intention in principle, removing the final legal hurdles, NATO is expected to invite Finland to negotiate the process.

Moscow had previously warned both Finland and Sweden against joining NATO, stating that it would have consequences.

According to European diplomats, Finland could join the alliance quickly once negotiations begin, as it already possesses military equipment compatible with Western allies, including the United States, and also meets many membership criteria.

European defense officials recently suggested that NATO countries would provide Finland with certain security guarantees during its accession process, in case Russia retaliated. On May 11, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new security treaties with Finland and Sweden, pledging support to both countries if one of them were attacked.

Finland has historically had high defense spending and still maintains a policy of compulsory military service for all adult men. NATO officials acknowledge that Finland's joining the alliance would be a significant boost in countering Russia, given the Nordic nation's historical seriousness regarding its own security.

Before launching its military campaign in Ukraine, Russia stated its desire to see NATO return to the size it had in the 1990s.