Finland and Sweden have applied for Nato membership amid concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine, the military alliance has confirmed.
‘This is a historic moment, which we must seize,’ Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors handed in their application letters.
‘I warmly welcome requests by Finland and Sweden to join Nato.
You are our closest partners, and your membership in Nato will increase our shared security.’.
Sweden share a maritime border with Russia, while Finland has an 810-mile (1,300km) land border with the hostile state.
Russia could share a huge land border with Nato if Finland joins the military alliance (Picture: Metro).
Turkish President Recep Erdogan (pictured shaking hands with Putin) could block Finland and Sweden’s Nato bids (Picture: AFP/Getty). »