Finland becomes 31st member of NATO military alliance
PTC Web Desk: Finland on Tuesday formally joined the NATO military alliance, in what may be called a historic policy shift brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"This will make Finland safer and NATO stronger," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was reported as saying on Tuesday.
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Finland's foreign minister Pekka Haavisto handed over the accession document to Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, who declared Finland a member.
Notably, Finland shares a 1,340 km border with Russia and its membership double Russia's border with NATO. The move may escalate conflict in Ukraine further as Russia has warned of "countermeasures".
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On the other hand, the move is a strategic and political blow to Russia President Vladimir Putin, who has long complained about NATO's expansion towards Russia and partly used that as a justification for the invasion.
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On the other hand, neighbouring Sweden, which has avoided military alliances for over 200 years, has also applied for the membership. However, objections from NATO members - Turkey and Hungary, have delayed the process.
- With inputs from agencies
