Finland’s leaders call for NATO membership ‘without delay’

By JARI TANNER
Associated Press

HELSINKI (AP) — Finland’s leaders say they’re in favor of applying for NATO membership “without delay.” The annoucement by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday means that Finland is all but certain to join the Western military alliance. The decision of the Finnish leaders paves the way for a historic expansion of NATO that would represent a blow to Russia as its military struggles in Ukraine. The Kremlin said that Finland joining the Western alliance won’t help stability and security in Northern Europe. Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) land border with Russia. Neighboring Sweden is expected to decide on seeking membership in coming days