Finland formally confirms intention to join Nato

Nordic country that shares 800-mile border with Russia looks to end decades of non-alignment

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Finland has formally confirmed it intends to join Nato, abandoning decades of military non-alignment in a historic decision triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland is applying for Nato membership," said the country's president, Sauli Niinisto, at a press conference. A protected Finland is being born as part of a stable, strong and responsible Nordic region. We gain security and we also share it. It's good to keep in mind that security isn't a zero-sum game."