Finland is preparing for a potentially historic decision "before midsummer" on whether to apply to join Nato as a deterrent against Russian aggression. The Nordic nation of 5.5 million has traditionally been militarily non-aligned, in part to avoid provoking its eastern neighbour, with which it shares a 1,300 kilometre border.
But Russia's attack on Ukraine on February 24 saw public support for joining Nato double from 30 to 60 per cent, according to a series of polls. "Never underestimate the capacity of Finns to take rapid decisions when the world changes," former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb said. Himself a long-time Nato advocate, Stubb now believes Finland making a membership application is "a foregone conclusion" as Finns re-evaluate their relationship with their neighbour. - AFP
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