In the joint statement, Niinisto and Marin said: "NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, public support for joining NATO in Finland has leaped from around 30% to nearly 80% in some polls. The NATO chief said he agreed with Niinisto and Marin, "that NATO membership would strengthen both NATO and Finland's security." Russia has previously warned both countries against joining NATO, saying there would be consequences. Finland joining NATO would have both practical and symbolic consequences for Russia and the Western alliance.

Source: CNN May 12, 2022 21:24 UTC