Finland is “almost certain” to join NATO

Ms. Linde told SVT radio: “We knew to some extent that Finland was going to sign up to be a member of NATO. That would change the whole balance… join, we know that tensions will increase.”

Asked by Reuters if she thought Finland would join NATO, the Swedish foreign minister replied: “I think we can talk about that with some certainty.”

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde and Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto attend a joint press conference on April 29. Photo: Reuters

The two Nordic countries are expected to make a decision on this in the coming weeks. Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on April 29 that he hoped Finland and Sweden would make a similar decision at the same time.

Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine has forced Sweden and Finland to re-evaluate their position that military neutrality is the best way for both countries to ensure national security.

During the tense situation in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that the Victory Day celebration on May 9 is not related to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Asked if Victory Day celebrations would mark a turning point in the military campaign in Ukraine, Lavrov said on Italian TV on May 1: “Our soldiers do not act on the basis of their actions in Ukraine. a specific timeline”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Photo: Reuters

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Russia celebrates Victory Day with solemnity, but the timing and speed of what is happening in Ukraine is based on the need to minimize the risk to Russian civilians and soldiers.