Finland

Russia called Finland's move to join NATO a "direct threat", adding there would be retaliatory steps.

I think we are seeing countries taking steps to ensure that they are protected and working more closely with other like-minded democratic countries." And we support 100% any country's democratic wish to join. "Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay." Neighbouring Sweden is expected to decide on joining NATO in the coming days.Last month, Mr Niinisto - who heads foreign policy in the country in co-operation with the government - told newspaper Ilta-Sanomat: "If it happens as it looks likely that Finland and Sweden will join (NATO), then it will create a new kind of North for us, one that is responsible, stable and strong." Responding to Finland's announcement this morning, the Kremlin said that the move to join NATO will not help stability and security in Europe, adding it will be "definitely" a threat to Russia and it would be forced to take retaliatory steps. Finland's president has said the country needs to apply to NATO "without delay", prompting Russia to warn of a "response".

It is an essential British interest that Putin's efforts to split Germany, France and Italy from the front line states fails.

But it is a necessary step, and his inability to enforce Moscow’s ban on Finnish and Swedish NATO membership is evidence that he is starting to lose. This will remain the case until the Russian state comes to understand that its purpose should be to improve the lives of Russian people, and that this is hindered, not helped, by paranoid militarism. Russia will put every ounce of its political manipulation effort into splitting Germany, France and Italy from the front line states. The requirement is not necessarily unity of institutions, but unity of action, which must be pursued through NATO, EU initiatives and the British-led Joint Expeditionary force. Finland and Sweden’s entry into NATO, accompanied by British security guarantees for both countries until the NATO accession process is complete, is one such initiative. Continental European powers such as France and Germany under less immediate threat to Russia need to be persuaded who their real friends are.

Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine has shifted policy on joining the military alliance.

Sweden’s parliament, meanwhile, will present a new security policy review on Friday but is not expected to contain an explicit recommendation concerning Nato. Finland later signed an Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance with Russia agreeing to isolate itself militarily from western Europe while remaining politically and economically dependent on Moscow. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. However, Moscow has warned it could deploy nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles in the European exclave of Kaliningrad if the two countries pursue their applications. President Putin's offensive against Ukraine, however, has made a guarantee of aid much more appealing. Sweden's ruling Social Democrats are expected to decide on Sunday whether to overturn decades of opposition to Nato membership, a move that would almost certainly lead to Sweden also asking to join the 30-nation alliance.

Our writer explores the coldest corner of the Iron Curtain, a stunning wilderness with a fraught history and uncertain future.

Perversely, all the jittery attention the border is currently attracting may shine a positive spotlight on this unique and adventure-filled region. He says the Finnish army are masters of fighting in snow and woodland and have nothing to fear. This is perhaps a little overstated, but they definitely possess sisu, a stoical determination and pragmatism to prevail in difficult circumstances. Within 700m of the border, her guesthouse is a converted border guard post, active between 1955-2008. “They want the same things in life, enough money to survive and food on the table”. Finland topped the World Happiness Report in 2022, yet its people have a reputation for being melancholic and taciturn. The next day, I ride within 50 metres of a border screened by a silver birch curtain. The towpath leads me to a sign reading: ‘St Petersburg 180km’, where I veer northwards and join the trail close to the Russian border. It’s no surprise therefore to encounter red-painted farmsteads deep in the woods and little summerhouses with saunas. Moscow warned Finland of ‘consequences’ when it announced it was considering joining Nato. Initially, border relations were turbulent after Finland fought for independence from the Soviet Union in 1917. It had been a long cold winter here and all cruises to mark Finnish Mother’s Day (May 8) were cancelled because the boats remained frozen in dock. Bears, wolves and moose inhabit these woods, but its flurries of yellow brimstone butterflies, dancing as if stirred by Sibelius’ Karelian Suite, that cause me to screech to a stop.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, in Helsinki.

He made clear that Finland could depend on the United Kingdom’s unequivocal and steadfast support. The leaders also discussed the importance of energy security and how both nations could boost trade ties. Both leaders discussed the barbaric invasion of Ukraine, which they agreed had changed the equation of European security.