On Tuesday, Finland formally joined NATO, doubling the length of the border that NATO shares with Russia and strengthening its eastern flank.
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto completed the accession process by handing over an official document to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at NATO’s HQ, and Finland’s flag was hoisted alongside those of the alliance’s 30 other members.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declared the event a significant moment, as Finland and Sweden (whose application is being held up by NATO members Turkey and Hungary) will become full-fledged members of the alliance.
Russia has voiced its disapproval and threatened to take countermeasures.
