Finland expects 'some kind of reaction' from Russia after joining NATO, says minister

Authorities in Finland are expecting “some kind of reaction” from Russia after Helsinki joins North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Property Management Tytti Tuppurainen said, according to Ren TV. As per report, Tuppurainen said that Finland expects a shift in ties with Russia after European nation joins US-led defence alliance.  

"We do not expect a military attack, but we expect some kind of reaction. We are rey for all situations since Second World War. We, of course, hope that this will not be necessary, because to behave decently and in interests of Russia," she stated.

Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Property Management even revealed plans of country’s authorities to quickly apply for NATO membership with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö announcing his position publicly on May 12. Tuppurainen said, “At moment it seems very likely that outcome (of this process) will be favourable to joining NATO, and we will apply quickly”.

Finland and Sweden have alrey received warnings from Russia as both nations moved ahe with ir plans of joining NATO. A representative of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova h said that Sweden and Finland would turn into objects of confrontation when joining Alliance. 

Finland to submit application for NATO membership in coming weeks

Despite Moscow’s remarks, Erkki Tuomioja, deputy chairman of foreign affairs committee of Finnish parliament even said last week that Finland will submit an application for NATO membership 'in coming weeks'. A group of Finnish lawmakers held consultations with Swedish officials in Stockholm to discuss country’s prospects of joining NATO as Russia continued to level threats against Sweden and Helsinki. 

"I see that Finland has a strong majority [supporting NATO membership] both in society and in parliament, and this means that Finland will send its membership bid to NATO in coming weeks, this spring," Tuomioja was quoted as saying by Helsingin Sanomat.

As per newspaper report, Finnish parliamentary committee for foreign affairs, led by its chief Jussi Halla-aho even paid a visit to Swedish capital of Stockholm on Thursday. Committee members met with several Swedish politicians, including Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen, Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and Foreign Minister Ann Linde.

(Image: AP)