According to Niinistö, the discussion was straightforward and unambiguous and took place without exaggeration. Avoiding tensions was considered important.
14.5. 14:00 • Updated May 14 14:17
The president of the Republic Sauli Niinistö has discussed today on the phone with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin with.
According to the Office of the President, Niinistö told President Putin how thoroughly Russia’s demands for non-NATO membership in late 2021 and Russia’s major attack on Ukraine in February 2022 have changed Finland’s security environment.
President Niinistö also informed Putin that Finland will decide to apply for NATO membership in the coming days.
Niinistö emphasized to Putin that by joining NATO, Finland will strengthen its own security and take responsibility. According to Niinistö, Finland wants to continue to handle the practical issues generated by the border neighborhood in a matter-of-fact and professional manner.
The call was initiated by Finland. Finally, Niinistö and Putin have been discussing in March after Russia had invaded Ukraine.
On Thursday, the Finnish state leadership announced its support for Finland’s NATO membership. Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin hoped that Finland would apply for NATO membership as soon as possible.
The government is expected to decide on a NATO membership application tomorrow, Sunday. After that, the matter will come to the consideration of Parliament on Monday and Tuesday.