Mikko Hautala
Finland has no plans to join the Alliance. On Wednesday, may 17, said the Ambassador of Finland in Russia Mikko Hautala, who arrived in Ekaterinburg with working visit, reports TASS.
“We have partner relations with NATO, but Finland is not a member of this Alliance,” — said the diplomat. He added that the country has the right to determine foreign policy, but while Helsinki has no plans to join the bloc.
On 17 June last year, the President of Finland Sauli Niinistö said that Helsinki could not abandon the possibility of applying for NATO membership and will only do it if you see the “clear deterioration in security”. According to the head of the state, the question of accession to the Alliance in any case should be put to a national referendum.
The discussion about the accession of Finland to NATO has intensified in connection with the crisis in Ukraine. Supporters of joining the Alliance saying the Alliance will be able to protect the country from aggression from Russia. Objectors insist that this can lead to a deterioration of relations with Moscow.