As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland is about to become a member of NATO on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the head of the military alliance has declared that no more troops will be sent to the Nordic nation until it requests assistance.
Russia has already issued a warning, stating that it would strengthen its border defenses with NATO if the alliance sent more personnel or equipment to its new member.
Hours before Finland’s entrance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned reporters at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels that “without Finland’s approval, there will be no NATO forces in Finland.”
He insisted that NATO will not let Russia’s demands guide the organization’s actions, but he did not completely rule out the prospect of conducting additional military drills there.
“We monitor our posture frequently.
Finland is scheduled to formally join NATO later on Tuesday, joining the ranks of the biggest defense alliance in the world.
Finland submitted an application for membership in May, renunciating years of military neutrality in order to seek security under the organization’s security umbrella. Finland was troubled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. Sweden, a neighbor, has also applied, though it may take a little longer to become a member.
Finnish reservists taking part in a military drill on March 7, 2023, in Helsinki. Imagery by Alessandro Rampazzo for AFP and Getty
Finland and Russia share a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) border, making the length of the NATO border with Russia more than double with Finland’s membership. The decision represents a political and strategic setback for President Vladimir Putin, who has long criticized NATO
