Russia Threatens “Counter-Measures” as Finland Joins NATO in Historic Shift

Finland has officially joined the NATO military alliance, making it the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty. Its accession to the alliance was completed by the country’s foreign minister at NATO headquarters in Brussels. As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland is making this historic policy shift, which has already drawn a threat of “counter-measures” from Moscow.

The Finnish defense minister, Antti Kaikkonen, called it a significant day for Finland and a favorable outcome for NATO. The next goal is to have the neighboring country of Sweden join as a full NATO member. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Finland to the alliance, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin used opposing NATO expansion as one reason for invading Ukraine. He added that joining NATO will make Finland and the organization stronger and, as the conflict in Ukraine continues, it roughly doubles the length of the border that NATO shares with Russia and reinforces its eastern flank.

Following Finland’s accession, Russia said it would boost its military status in the west and northwest as a response, with its defense minister Sergei Shoigu stating that it could raise the possibility of further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government praised Finland’s decision, stating that it was “the right choice.” NATO has consistently emphasized that it is a defensive pact and does not pose a threat to Russia.

Despite this, the news has received a cautious welcome in Helsinki as it could make Finland a safer place, but the outcome of Russia’s response remains unclear.