Russia, Ukraine speak out about Finland’s announcement of joining NATO
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at a press conference in Moscow, Russia – Photo: REUTERS
According to Reuters news agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Finland has participated in the unfriendly steps taken by the European Union (EU) against Russia, and this is a matter of regret and reason. for Russia to give a commensurate response.
Peskov said everyone wanted to avoid a direct clash between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and that NATO’s membership expansion would not make the world or Europe more stable.
In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Finland’s readiness to apply for NATO membership.
In a phone call with Zelensky on May 12, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said he had reiterated Finland’s support for Ukraine, as reported by the newspaper. Guardian.
Mr. Niinisto also informed Mr. Zelensky of Finland’s steps towards joining NATO. The President of Ukraine expressed his full support for this decision of Finland.
Source: AL JAZEERA, Data: BAO ANH, Graphics: TAN DAT
On the same day, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Finland’s membership in NATO would strengthen both this military alliance and for Finland as a whole.
“If Finland decides to apply, they will be warmly welcomed to NATO, and the accession process will be quick and smooth,” Stoltenberg said.
“Finland is one of NATO’s closest partners, a member of the European Union (EU), and an important contributor to Euro-Atlantic security,” the NATO leader added. .
Earlier on the same day, President Niinisto and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin issued a joint statement confirming that the country would soon apply to join NATO. Mr. Niinisto hopes to complete the application process to join NATO in the next few days.
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