Finland to apply to NATO 'without delay' as Russia threatens 'retaliatory steps'

Finland intended to apply for NATO membership “without delay” — prompting Russia to threaten that it would “be forced to take retaliatory steps” if the Nordic country joins the Western military alliance.
As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance.

For a country to be accepted into NATO is required have a functioning democracy, treating minority populations fairly and the ability to make military contributions to NATO operations. Once a country meets the basic requirements, it is asked to join a membership action plan, which prepares it for membership. 

Although NATO has an “open door policy” for aspiring members, Ukraine has been unable to be formally admitted. The ongoing unrest in regions across Ukraine — from the annexed peninsula of Crimea to the Russian-backed separatist regions in the east — has worried NATO members.

Meanwhile, Sweden is also expected to announce its decision to join the alliance in the coming days.