Previously neutral Finland announces it wants to join NATO

Top leadership in Finland announced the previously neutral Nordic country wants to join NATO as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. 

“This is a historic day. A new era begins,” Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said Sunday. Niinisto made the announcement at a joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki with Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

Finland shares a border with Russia and the announcement comes as top NATO diplomats are meeting Sunday in Berlin to discuss providing further support to Ukraine.

“The brutal invasion (by) Russia is losing momentum,” NATO Deputy-Secretary General Mircea Geoana told reporters Sunday. “We know that with the bravery of the Ukrainian people and army, and with our help, Ukraine can win this war.”