HELSINKI/BRUSSELS—Finland formally joined NATO on Tuesday, with its flag flying outside the military alliance's headquarters in Brussels, in a historic policy move precipitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting Moscow to threaten "counter-measures."
Finland's admission practically doubles NATO's border with Russia and strengthens its eastern flank while the war in Ukraine rages on with no end in sight.
Pekka Haavisto, Finland's Foreign Minister, finished the accession process by handing over an official paperwork to the United States. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting NATO headquarters.
While a military band performed in the brilliant sunshine, Finland's flag—a blue cross on a white background—was flown alongside that of the alliance's 30 other members.
“For almost 75 years, this great alliance has shielded our nations and continues to do so today,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declared at the ceremony. “But war has returned to Europe and Finland has decided to join NATO and be part of the world’s most successful alliance.”
Stoltenberg previously stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin cited resistance to NATO's eastward expansion as one of the reasons for invading Ukraine. “He is getting exactly the opposite … Finland today, and soon also Sweden will become a full fledged member of the alliance,” Stoltenberg said in Brussels.
“He is getting exactly the opposite … Finland today, and soon also Sweden will become a full fledged member of the alliance,” Stoltenberg said in Brussels.
Finland's President, Saul Niinisto, stated that the most significant contribution Finland could make to NATO's shared deterrence and defense would be to protect its own territory. He stated that there is still more work to be done to coordinate this with NATO.
“It is a great day for Finland and I want to say that it is an important day for NATO,” Niinisto said at a joint news conference with Stoltenberg.
According to the Kremlin, Russia will be obliged to take "counter-measures" in response to Finland's entrance. According to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, the decision increases the likelihood of the crisis in Ukraine growing further.
In reaction to Finland's membership in NATO, Russia said on Monday that it will increase its military power in its western and northern territories.
The Ukrainian administration praised Finland's decision as well. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated on Telegram: "FI made the correct choice." NATO membership is also a priority for Ukraine."
