Finland will apply to join NATO, president says, in a historic move for the neutral country

The president of the Nordic country said on Sunday that they will apply for membership in NATO.

In a press conference with Prime Minister Sanna Marin, President Sauli Niinisto said that NATO membership willmaximize the security of the country.

Marin said that the decision was based on a strong mandate.

We hope that the parliament will confirm the decision to apply for NATO membership. Next week, the formal application will be submitted.

Marin said that NATO and its members have been in close contact with Finns over the decision. Marin and Niinisto said last week that the country should apply to join NATO.

If it joined the military alliance, the land border between Russia and NATO territories would double.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated soon.