Brussels: Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO, the world’s largest military alliance, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said. Earlier, there were rumors that the two countries would join NATO in the wake of the Russian occupation of Ukraine. The enormous number of countries joining NATO is likely to change the face of Europe.
Russia has come under fire for its decision. Russia has warned that the decision by Sweden and Finland could be “gravely wrong” and could have far-reaching consequences. Finland shares a 1,300 km long border with Russia. Sweden also has a naval border with Russia. With NATO joining the 30-member bloc, NATO will have control over most of Russia’s borders.
Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the decision of both countries to join NATO. It usually takes eight to 12 months to become a member of NATO. He added, however, that the process would be completed soon, given the threat posed by Russia to the Nordic countries.