Putin wants less NATO in Europe, but Russia's border with Alliance will double - Stoltenberg

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting at NATO headquarters with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.

"President Putin invaded Ukraine with the declared goal of having less NATO in Europe. He is getting exactly the opposite. There will be more NATO in Europe, demonstrated by the fact that both Finland and Sweden applied and are invited to become full members," Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General added that when Finland joins, NATO's border with Russia will double, and the border between NATO and Russia will increase by 1,300 kilometers.

He noted that Finland and Sweden already have a new status in their relations with NATO, including participation in NATO meetings and integration into its civilian and military structures.

"Many Allies have given security assurances to both Finland and Sweden.

Therefore, it is absolutely inconceivable that there will be any threat against Finland or Sweden without NATO reacting," he emphasized.

Welcoming the announcements by Turkey and Hungary to ratify Finland's membership in NATO, Stoltenberg expressed hope that these decisions would be made quickly.

"Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership together. And all NATO Allies invited Finland and Sweden to join our Alliance at our Summit last year. But of course, the most important thing is that both Finland and Sweden become members as soon as possible. Not that they join exactly the same time," Stoltenberg said. He added that Sweden's full membership in NATO will be a priority.