Finland Formally Applies For NATO Membership

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Finland has formally applied for membership of the NATO military alliance citing concerns about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where Russian troops face stiff resistance in the east.

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö confirmed Sunday that his latest talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Finland’s bid to join NATO did not contain any threats.

“He confirmed that he thinks it’s a mistake. We are not threatening you. Altogether, the discussion was very, could I say, calm and cool,” Niinistö said. Sweden was expected to make a similar move as NATO foreign ministers gathered in Berlin on Sunday to discuss the move.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Finland and Sweden updated NATO members on their stance on joining. He said it would be “historic” and “show that aggression doesn’t pay” and that NATO’s door is open.

On the ground, Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region has lost momentum, according to a British military assessment.

Britain also claimed that Russia may have lost a third of the ground combat forces it committed at the start of the invasion. As many as tens of thousands of soldiers are believed to have died, though Moscow has not confirmed those estimations.

Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine has won the 66th Eurovision song contest. It was seen as a symbolic show of public support following the country’s invasion.

However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) cautioned that it might not be possible to organize the next edition of the world’s largest televised song event in Ukraine due to the war.

It would be the first time the contest could not be held in the winner’s home country.

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