Decision on NATO joining application by spring: PM

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Saturday said that it was time for Finland to consider seriously about its position regarding military alliance.

Marin, also Chair of the ruling Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) addressing at the party council in Helsinki said that Russia's military aggression in Ukraine has compelled Finland to review its security policy.

“In this new situation and changed security environment, we must also evaluate all means to ensure the security of Finland and Finns. We must now seriously consider our own positioning and attitude towards military alliance. This must be done carefully, but quickly - essentially this spring,” said the Premier.

"Russia is not the neighbour we thought it was," said the PM, adding that the relationship between Finland and Russia has been changed following Russia´s Ukraine attack.

She said Finland may face consequences in both cases, either it chose to seek accession to the alliance or decide to stay out of the alliance.

Marin said that said she would disclose her personal position regarding NATO as discussions on the membership application will unfold in the coming weeks.

She pointed out that Finland has supported Ukraine in many ways as part of the European Union and nationally.

“We have provided additional EUR 14 million in assistance to Ukraine in addition to previous cooperation programs and provided material assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition, we have provided Ukraine with military equipment, equipment and armaments,” said the SDP leader, adding that Finland will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.