After concerns about Russia’s aggression, Finland has become an official member of NATO.

According to the Kremlin, it may be required to take “countermeasures” to protect its border.

Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022. It had been a long time since it was a member of the military alliance, but this was to be protected under NATO’s security umbrella following Russia’s invasion Ukraine.

It shares a border of 1,340km (832 miles) with Russia. Therefore, its entry with the country will more than double NATO’s border.

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Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto stated in a statement that “Finland has now become a member the defense alliance NATO. The age of military non-alignment throughout our history is over. A new era begins.

“Each country maximizes its security. So does Finland. NATO membership also strengthens our international position, and gives us more flexibility. We have been a NATO partner for many years. Finland will continue to contribute to NATO’s collective defense and deterrence.

“Finland’s membership in the Alliance is a guarantee of security. Finland, on one hand, ensures security for the Alliance. Finland is committed to security for all NATO member countries and will be a trusted ally that helps strengthen regional stability.

“Finland’s membership does not target anyone. It does not change Finland’s objectives or foundations in foreign and security policies. Finland is a stable, predictable Nordic country that strives for peaceful resolution of all disputes.

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This is a political and strategic blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin who has long complained of NATO’s expansion towards Russia.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, called Helsinki’s decision to join the bloc a “encroachment” upon Russia’s security. He also stated that NATO’s structure was hostile to Russia.

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Outside the Brussels headquarters of the organization, a ceremony was held to raise Finland’s flag among its partners.

An earlier statement by NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels stated that there would be no NATO troops stationed in Finland without Finland’s consent.

He refused to rule out holding additional military exercises in the area and stated that NATO would not permit Russia’s demands for control over its decisions.

This ceremony falls on NATO’s birthday. It is the 74th anniversary since the signing of its founding Washington Treaty, 4 April 1949. It coincides also with the meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers.

It’s the first enlargement NATO of since North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020.

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Turkey is the last NATO member to accept Finland’s request – ending decades of military non-alignment. Before the ceremony, the document officially enshrining Turkey’s decision was sent by Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.

Finland gave Mr Blinken their final texts, officially making it a member. The US State Department holds all NATO texts regarding membership.

Turkey continues to block Sweden’s approval to join NATO, with the government stating that Stockholm has not yet taken sufficient measures against similar groups.