Iran Press/ Europe: The Nordic nation, which has a long border with Russia, has never been a member of the Cold War defense alliance; But since Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine, there has been a shift in public opinion.
Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin said possible membership would be discussed ‘within the coming weeks’ and decisions made ‘before midsummer’.
Pekka Haavisto, Finland’s foreign minister, added public support for Nato membership had been growing since Russia launched its bloody war.
On Friday, Finnish websites were targeted in a cyberattack during a speech to parliament by Volodymyr Zelensky.
Later the same day, the country’s Ministry of Defence confirmed a Russian government aircraft had briefly violated Finnish airspace.
But Finland will likely defy threats from Moscow, according to one former Prime Minister who described Nato membership as ‘pretty much a done deal.
Alexander Stubb, who led the Nordic nation between 2014 and 2015, said relations with Russia have always been a key influence on policy.
The two countries share an 830-mile border, the longest of any European Union member.
While many countries swarmed to join Nato following the Cold War, Finland chose not to be wary of the potential risks their shared border could bring.
It is unknown just what kind of retaliation Russia may plan if the Nordic nations both join Nato.
But Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News that Russia would need to ‘rebalance the situation’ if membership grows.
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Russia says it would have to 'rebalance' if Finland, Sweden join NATO
