Finland officially announces intention to join NATO in historic decision that breaks with decades of neutrality

AP News reported that on Sunday, it was announced that it would apply for membership in NATO.

President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin made the announcement at a news conference.

The intention to join is expected to be endorsed by the parliament.

Next week, a formal membership application will be submitted to NATO, the news agency said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that applying to NATO would negatively affect Russian-Finnish relations.

The office of Niinisto said it would apply for membership because of the security situation in the country.

It is vulnerable to a Russian attack because it shares a border with Russia.

Since the end of the Second World War, Finns have maintained a neutral stance.

There is a developing story. You can check back for updates.