Russia's Uncomfortable Finland... May Join NATO

President Niinist? and Prime Minister Marin Mention NATO Membership in New Year's Addresses

Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland [Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Russia's threats against Ukraine are igniting discussions in Finland about joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Major foreign media reported on the 2nd (local time) that Finnish President Sauli Niinist? and Prime Minister Sanna Marin emphasized in their New Year's addresses that Finland holds the option to join NATO at any time.

President Niinist? said, "Finland has the freedom to choose," adding, "The strategies Finland can choose include military alliances and applying for NATO membership." Prime Minister Marin also stated, "Every country has the right to decide its security policy, and we have learned this from the past," and "We will review all available strategies."

Petteri Orpo, leader of Finland's largest opposition party, the National Coalition Party, also expressed support. The National Coalition Party has long advocated for NATO membership. Orpo said, "It is time to discuss joining NATO," and argued, "NATO membership will help the security of Finland and neighboring countries."

Finland shares a border of about 1,340 km with Russia. During World War II, Finland lost part of the Karelia region after being defeated in the 'Winter War' against Russia. The Winter War was also made into a film of the same name in Finland in 1989. Finland has not significantly reduced its military strength even after the Cold War.

While Norway is a founding member of NATO, Finland and Sweden remain non-member countries. However, both Finland and Sweden have steadily strengthened their cooperative relations with NATO.

Last week, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Finland and Sweden's NATO membership would cause serious military and political consequences, and Russia would respond accordingly.

Finland has maintained close diplomatic and economic relations with Russia. Foreign media also reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin may consider President Niinist? the most respected European leader.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his determination to respond firmly if Russia invades Ukraine. During a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the same day, President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, "If Russia invades Ukraine, the United States and its allies will respond decisively."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.