NATO membership to Finland: Preparations to put pressure on Putin, Finland joining NATO even after Russia's threat

Because of the situation arising out of the Russia-Ukraine war, the membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is being expanded. Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto have already finalized whether their country will apply for NATO membership. On Sunday, NATO head James Stellberg also said that he would give fast-track membership to Finland. This will increase the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What will happen if Finland joins NATO?

Finland declared independence in 1917. Before that, much of Finland was under Russia. Finland fought against Russia during the Second World War.

Finland became independent from Russia in 1917. Russia shares a 1300 km long border with Finland. For that Finland is a buffer zone. At present, NATO member countries Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have a border of about 1,200 km with Russia. This will double if Finland joins NATO.

In addition, St. Petersburg, the business capital of Russia and the city of billionaires, is 170 kilometers from the Finnish border. As soon as Finland becomes a NATO member, NATO will also reach Russia's northern front.

Finland sets conditions for joining NATO

One of the basic principles of NATO is Collective Defense. That is, an attack on one or more members will be considered an attack on all member countries. NATO diplomats say Finland and Sweden's application process could take about a year. To become a NATO member, all 30 NATO countries have to approve the new members. Until all members approve, NATO cannot openly help them. Finland and Sweden have asked for security guarantees until this process is completed.

The US, Germany, and Britain have already said that they will support and help Finland and Sweden if there is an attack.

How are the relations between Finland and NATO now?

Finland and Sweden are NATO's closest allies. Both countries contribute to NATO operations and air policing. After the Russian attack in Ukraine, he has been formally sharing information with NATO and participating in every meeting on war-related issues. Simultaneously, participating in the exercise.

According to NATO guidelines, the member country has to spend 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. Finland has been following this guideline for a long time. Sweden is also increasing its military budget.

Putin's threat to Finland

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on the phone. During this, he warned Finland that joining NATO and leaving Finland's neutral stance would be a big 'mistake'. Russia has said in the past that Finland joining NATO could force it into military action. At the same time, he may have to face political consequences.

Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War Updates: NATO's big bet to surround Putin, Sweden, and Finland will get fast-track membership