Listen to the news

Finland's membership in NATO will not be directed "against anyone", the Finnish president said, and Moscow warned Helsinki that there would be "consequences" if it runs for the alliance, BTA reports.

Joining NATO will not be against anyone, said President Sauli Ninisto during the signing of a declaration of mutual assistance with the United Kingdom in Helsinki. 

If Finland increases its security, it will not be to the detriment of anyone else, Ninisto said at a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is visiting Finland. 

Britain has signed agreements with Sweden and Finland in the field of security

Tomorrow, President Ninistyo is due to formally declare his personal position on membership, with an expected candidacy in the next few days, possibly with Sweden.

"NATO is a defense alliance," said Prime Minister Johnson.

At a press conference in Helsinki, Ninistö and Johnson signed a declaration on mutual assistance between Finland and the United Kingdom in the event of war.

This document, identical to the text signed by Johnson with Sweden earlier today, should be used in particular in the period between applying and joining NATO, with protection from the alliance guaranteed only to members.

Britain has vowed to come to Sweden's aid if the country is attacked.

Asked about the risk that NATO membership would be seen as a provocation by Moscow, the Finnish president said Russia was the one that changed the situation at the end of 2021.

They insisted that Finland and Sweden not be in NATO.

They urged NATO not to accept additional members, Ninistyo recalled.

"Having said that, Russia is practically saying that we no longer have a free choice.

And this is a huge change, "he said.

"It made us think, and what happened on February 24 and the huge war that Russia is waging in Ukraine, it also changed the situation: they are ready to attack a neighboring country," Ninisto said.

Finland, which shares a border of nearly 1,300 kilometers with Russia, remained outside NATO after the end of the Cold War, but became a partner in the alliance.

NATO membership

Finland