The Latest Breaking News from Sanna Marin

Finland and Sweden reversed long-standing opposition to NATO membership after war in Ukraine led to huge public support.

“This is a historic day. A new era begins,” Finland's President Sauli Niinistö said.

Finland's President Sauli Niinisto confirmed on Sunday that his country would apply for membership of the NATO military alliance, in a historic policy shift prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland's government declared a "new era" is underway as it inches closer to seeking NATO membership, hours before Sweden's governing party on Sunday backed a plan to join the trans-Atlantic alliance amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Russia has long bristled about NATO moving closer to its borders, so the developments…

The two countries said their presidents spoke by phone two days after Finland declared its intention to join NATO with Sweden expected to follow quickly after

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto has informed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that the militarily non-aligned Nordic country that shares a long border with Russia “will decide to apply for NATO membership in the coming days.”

LVIV, Ukraine — As Finland’s leaders dealt him a blow by announcing their support for joining NATO, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his determination to maintain Moscow’s sway over eastern Ukraine as Russian missiles pounded the area.

Finland and Sweden are inching closer to joining NATO in what would be another jolt to the European security landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

LVIV, Ukraine — As Finland’s leaders dealt him a blow by announcing their support for joining NATO, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his determination to maintain Moscow’s sway over eastern Ukraine as Russian forces pounded the area.