Finland will become the 31st member of NATO, the world’s biggest military alliance, on April 4, 2023, according to the organization’s Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg. Speaking on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Stoltenberg said it would be a “historic moment” for Finland and the alliance. He also expressed hope that Sweden, which had applied for membership at the same time as Finland, would join NATO in the coming months. Russia has warned that it will strengthen its defenses in response to Finland’s entry into the alliance.
All 30 existing members of NATO had signed Finland’s and Sweden’s accession protocols. However, Turkey and Hungary delayed the process for months. Turkey sought guarantees and assurances from the two countries, especially regarding tackling groups it considers “terrorist” organizations. On the other hand, Hungary’s demands have never been explicit. Despite these delays, both Turkey and Hungary have relented on Finland’s accession to NATO.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Moscow would respond to Finland’s accession to NATO by bolstering its defenses. Grushko said that Russia would strengthen its military potential in the west and northwest regions and take additional steps to ensure its military security in case of the deployment of forces of other NATO members on the territory of Finland. These statements from Russia indicate a potential increase in tensions between NATO and Russia in the region.
