Finland set to forward application for NATO membership on May 13 amid Russian threats

Ending deces of neutrality, Finland has at last decided to forward its application for membership in rth Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on May 13, a Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported on Monday. report comes days after local Finnish media predicted that rdic country will publish applications in week beginning from May 16. On Monday, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde also stated that Finland is "almost certain" about its ascension to intergovernmental military bloc.

Earlier this month, Swedish daily Expressen cited its government sources, saying that prime ministers of both rdic nations have discussed change in European "security landscape" since Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which has led to "dramatically shaped mindsets" in both countries.

Both Finland and Sweden have remained neutral for over deces. However, after end of Cold War, ir officially n-aligned military began taking part in exercises and exchanging intelligence with NATO partners. As many as 68% of Finns are in favour of joining alliance according to latest poll, including former Finland Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, who said Finland will "definitely" be applying for inclusion in NATO.

A slim majority of Swedes also believe it is in best interest of country. Meanwhile, NATO General-Secretary Jens Stoltenberg has alrey "warmly welcomed" Finland, ting its geographical location and military capabilities.

Despite risk of infuriating Moscow, Finland PM Sanna Marin earlier this month said that step is considered necessary for internal security of Finland, which shares a 1,300 km border with Russia. Her Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson too h flagged that "everything has changed" since Russia-Ukraine military conflict, ding that Stockholm must be "prepared for all kinds of actions from Russia."

Russia threatens Finland, Sweden with 'consequences' over its potential NATO membership

According to reports, decision comes amid Russian threats against a potential application for membership. Finland Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto last week said that Moscow's stance on Helinski and Sweden joining NATO is " surprise." Haavisto's remarks come a day after Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova once again warned two neutral rdic countries of "severe consequences" in case y moved forward to join intergovernmental military bloc.

Zakharova said accession to bloc would have "consequences for bilateral relations and overall picture of security in Europe." Her comments were in sync with that me by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who on Thursday threatened that Russia will be forced to bolster defence in Baltic Sea region if Finland and Sweden were to join Western military alliance.

(Im: AP)