Officials have reportedly listed the ‘threat’ of Russia as a reason for joining the US-led military bloc
The draft bill on Finland’s NATO membership contains no restrictions on the bloc’s bases and deployment of nuclear weapons on its soil to deter Russia, Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported on Wednesday, citing foreign policy and security sources.
According to Iltalehti, Finland’s bill on NATO membership is “practically ready” and will be submitted for comments in two weeks.
The draft considers nuclear weapons to be an important part of the bloc’s deterrence against Russia. Sources cited by the outlet say it would be difficult to create a defense plan for Finland in NATO if, for example, nuclear-capable bombers cannot be sent into the country’s airspace.
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto stated this month that Helsinki has received assurances from the US, Britain, and “key European countries” that the alliance will come to…
