NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, security concerns raised by Turkiye in its opposition to Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership bid are legitimate. He added, this is about terrorism, it’s about weapons exports.

'Turkiye's concern on Finland, Sweden membership are legitimate,' says NATO chief

Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland, which is currently applying for membership in the Western military alliance NATO, has a history of wars with Russia, although currently the forest-covered border zone between the two countries is marked merely with signs and plastic lines for most of its 1,300-km (810-mile) length.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-finland-applies-for-nato-membership-finnish-women-sign-up-for-military-training-485889">As Finland applies for NATO membership, Finnish women sign up for military training</a>

The Finnish government has rushed to strengthen border security as it fears Russia could attempt to put pressure on Finland by sending asylum seekers to its borders, as the European Union accused Belarus of doing at the end of last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa got stuck on the Polish border.

The government's amendments to the law include a proposal to enable concentrating the reception of asylum applications only at specific points of entry.

Under existing EU rules, migrants have the right to ask for asylum at any given entry point to an EU member country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-conflict-finnish-women-take-up-weapons-just-in-case-of-an-attack-485722">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack</a>

&nbsp;



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The amendments would also allow the building of barriers such as fences, as well as new roads to facilitate border patrolling on the Finnish side.

"Later on, the government will decide on border barriers to the critical zones on the eastern border, on the basis of the Finnish Border Guard's assessment," minister of internal affairs Krista Mikkonen said in a statement.

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Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland, which is currently applying for membership in the Western military alliance NATO, has a history of wars with Russia, although currently the forest-covered border zone between the two countries is marked merely with signs and plastic lines for most of its 1,300-km (810-mile) length. Also read | As Finland applies for NATO membership, Finnish women sign up for military training The Finnish government has rushed to strengthen border security as it fears Russia could attempt to put pressure on Finland by sending asylum seekers to its borders, as the European Union accused Belarus of doing at the end of last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa got stuck on the Polish border. The government's amendments to the law include a proposal to enable concentrating the reception of asylum applications only at specific points of entry. Under existing EU rules, migrants have the right to ask for asylum at any given entry point to an EU member country. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack The amendments would also allow the building of barriers such as fences, as well as new roads to facilitate border patrolling on the Finnish side. "Later on, the government will decide on border barriers to the critical zones on the eastern border, on the basis of the Finnish Border Guard's assessment," minister of internal affairs Krista Mikkonen said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Finland plans to build barriers on its border with Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. According to reports, Finnish President and Swedish King left a ceremony in the demilitarised Finnish region of Åland. The incident led to speculations about whether their departure was actually linked to Russian Navy drills in the region, Newsweek reported. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden along with representatives from both governments joined to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the autonomy of the Swedish-speaking islands of Finland. Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat reported that Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio left abruptly and flew back home in the middle of the festivities. However, the exact reason for the shortening of the trip is still unknown. Finnish Olympic athlete Aki Heikkinen tweeted: "Extraordinary: Finnish president abruptly interrupted his visit to Åland 100yrs autonomy celebrations and flew back to mainland, now also Swedish king + queen exited mid concert and left." Extraordinary: Finnish president abruptly interrupted his visit to Åland 100yrs autonomy celebrations and flew back to mainland, now also Swedish king + queen exited mid concert and left. https://t.co/bOmmh88jww — Aki Heikkinen (@akihheikkinen) June 9, 2022 × Notably, Finland is currently applying to join NATO. Moscow has warned that the bid would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences". Meanwhile, Finland is rushing to beef up security on its border with Russia in order to protect itself from hybrid threats, the interior ministry said Friday (June 10). Fearing that Moscow could use migrants to exert political pressure, Helsinki plans legislative amendments that would facilitate the construction of sturdier fences on its 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) eastern border with Russia. Anne Ihanus, a senior adviser at the interior ministry, told AFP: "The aim of the proposed law is to improve the operational capacity of the border guard in responding to the hybrid threats. The war in Ukraine has contributed to the urgency of the matter." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did Finnish President and Swedish King leave Islands abruptly amid Russian Navy drill?

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland has applied for NATO membership. Around 300 Finnish women have signed up for military training.

As Finland applies for NATO membership, Finnish women sign up for military training

Sri Lanka is battling its worst economic crisis in decades. The new PM and his administration is working towards pulling it back from Bankruptcy.

Pulling Sri Lanka back from Bankruptcy: Sri Lanka needs $6 billion to keep afloat

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack

Swedish and Finnish delegations are in Turkey to discuss their differences regarding their membership bids to join NATO after Ankara voiced concerns over the Nordic countries’ support for terrorist groups.

Swedish, Finnish delegations in Turkey to discuss NATO bids

Sweden and Finland are trying to overcome Turkey's strong objections to the Nordic nations bids to join NATO. Swedish and Finnish delegations visited Turkey after submitting their written applications to join NATO last week.

'Talks will clarify misunderstandings,' Sweden and Finland attempt to overcome Turkey's objection

An underground shelter in Finland is not just a shelter but a sports facility too. This underground shelter has bunkers, toilets and blast-proof walls. Built in 2003, the emergency shelter can accommodate nearly 6,000 people. It can even withstand a nuclear attack, as per reports.

Russia’s neighbour Finland has an underground shelter that turns into sports facility

Delegations from Sweden and Finland are set to meet Turkish officials today, the meeting comes with the hope of clearing up differences with Ankara after Turkey opposed Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO.

Sweden, Finland delegations hope to woo Turkey over NATO bid

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO, held phone calls with the Sweden and Finland leaders. He has raised concerns about Ankara.

Russia-Ukraine war: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan calls Swedish & Finnish leaders

Tensions over Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid simmer. Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held talks with Sweden & Finland where he detailed his concerns. Now despite support from all other NATO nations, the Sweden-Finland membership bid has been facing a major roadblock from Turkey

Sweden & Finland's NATO membership bid faces roadblock from Turkey

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO, held phone calls with the Sweden and Finland leaders. He has also raised concerns about Ankara.

NATO Bid: Erdogan holds talks with Sweden & Finland leaders, raises Ankara's concerns

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.

Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank.

Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sincerely-sorry-russian-soldier-in-war-crimes-trial-says-he-did-not-want-to-kill-will-accept-punishment-480865">'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment</a>

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption.&nbsp;

However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available".

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion

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Rift over NATO bid

n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced.&nbsp;

Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-proposes-formal-deal-with-allies-to-secure-russian-compensation-for-ukraines-invasion-480862">Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion</a>

Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences".

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail".

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Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles. Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank. Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20". Also read | 'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption. However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy. Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally. "Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement. In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros. Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration. Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available". Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation". Watch | Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion Rift over NATO bid n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy. On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced. Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences". Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids. But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia. Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia halts gas supplies to Finland

Extensions over Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid continue to intensify. Russia has now halted natural gas supplies to Finland in what is believed to be a retaliatory move by Moscow to put pressure on Finland.

Kremlin turns off taps to Finland, move to counter NATO expansion plan?

Nordic countries Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership. However, Turkey is the lone roadblock to their NATO bids. US President Biden said that new NATO members are not a threat.

US President Joe Biden: New NATO members are not a threat

The conundrum over NATO entry continues. US, NATO are ready to welcome Sweden & Finland into the alliance but Turkey is blocking their applications. Analysts say that Turkey is using its position in NATO to extract compensations. There will be political pressure on Turkey if it blocks the applications. Turkey’s veto may be used as leverage against existing NATO members. What does Turkey want?

Turkey, NATO & US: The big chaos over Sweden & Finland alliance bids

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have mulled applying for NATO membership. However, Turkey has blocked their early vote to join the NATO alliance.

Turkey blocks Sweden and Finland's early vote to join NATO

After holding out for nearly 90 days, the city of Mariupol surrendered to Russian forces. Hours later, Finland and Sweden officially submitted their application to join NATO. Palki Sharma tells you how Russia's war is changing European security considerations.

Gravitas: Finland and Sweden submit NATO application

The two Nordic countries Sweden and Finland will hand in their respective applications to join the military alliance NATO today. It's a historic move for the Nordic nations which are known for the policies of military neutrality but the move comes despite Turkey's threat to block the expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Finland and Sweden's historic NATO bids today, application will end decades of military non-alignment

Turkey opposed NATO's plan to admit Sweden and Finland as members of the military alliance. Is Erdogan using the opportunity to secure concessions from the West? What is the West willing to offer Turkey? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey derails NATO's Nordic expansion

Finland and Sweden's historic NATO membership bids

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has restarted his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO. Turkey has also asked both countries to extradite suspected PKK members.

Turkey threatens to block Sweden, Finland NATO bids

Hours after Sweden and Finland confirmed intentions to join NATO, the membership plans have hit a road block. The opposition is Turkey whose President has said that he would not approve either bids. Sweden and Finland need all of NATO's 30 members to approve the applications.

Sweden, Finland's NATO bids hit a snag; 'Don't bother to come,' says Turkey

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Just days after Finland announced it was ready to join NATO, reports claim&nbsp;Russia has been moving nuclear-capable missiles to the Finnish border.

Reports said at least seven Iskander missiles were spotted along Russia's Vyborg town.

Russia had reportedly parked the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) systems near the Ukraine border before the February 24 invasion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accused-of-cyberattack-on-american-company-just-before-invading-ukraine-479733">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia accused of cyberattack on American company just before invading Ukraine</a>

Ukraine's defence ministry had claimed at least 36 Iskander launchers were deployed along the border.

In 2018, Russia had deployed nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad. The short-range Iskander missiles has a range of 500 km and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.

The Iskander-K can fire cruise missiles and has bunker-busting capabilities including cluster munitions warhead.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Over 260 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from Azovstal

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Before the Ukraine invasion, satellite pictures had revealed Russia had deployed 15 Su-25 ground attack aircraft and S-400 air defence system at Luninets airfield along with the SS26 Iskander missiles.&nbsp;

Last monthy Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, had said that if Sweden and Finland joined NATO then Russia would deploy nuclear and hypersonic missiles to strengthen its Blatic Sea defence.

Meanwhile, Kremlin said it had expelled two employees in Finland's embassy after two Russian diplomats were expelled by Helsinki. Kremlin said Finland had taken a "confrontational course" towards Russia.

Both Finland and Sweden had informed the NATO alliance that they would like to join the military group as Russia continues its operation against Ukraine.

On Monday, Sweden said it was ready to join NATO setting aside decades of neutrality as Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson declared: "We are leaving one era and beginning another".

However, President Vladimir Putin warned the two countries informing that it may lead to a "response".

It poses "no direct threat for us... but the expansion of military infrastructure to these territories will certainly provoke our response," Putin said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Just days after Finland announced it was ready to join NATO, reports claim Russia has been moving nuclear-capable missiles to the Finnish border. Reports said at least seven Iskander missiles were spotted along Russia's Vyborg town. Russia had reportedly parked the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) systems near the Ukraine border before the February 24 invasion. Also Read: Russia accused of cyberattack on American company just before invading Ukraine Ukraine's defence ministry had claimed at least 36 Iskander launchers were deployed along the border. In 2018, Russia had deployed nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad. The short-range Iskander missiles has a range of 500 km and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The Iskander-K can fire cruise missiles and has bunker-busting capabilities including cluster munitions warhead. Watch: Over 260 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from Azovstal Before the Ukraine invasion, satellite pictures had revealed Russia had deployed 15 Su-25 ground attack aircraft and S-400 air defence system at Luninets airfield along with the SS26 Iskander missiles. Last monthy Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, had said that if Sweden and Finland joined NATO then Russia would deploy nuclear and hypersonic missiles to strengthen its Blatic Sea defence. Meanwhile, Kremlin said it had expelled two employees in Finland's embassy after two Russian diplomats were expelled by Helsinki. Kremlin said Finland had taken a "confrontational course" towards Russia. Both Finland and Sweden had informed the NATO alliance that they would like to join the military group as Russia continues its operation against Ukraine. On Monday, Sweden said it was ready to join NATO setting aside decades of neutrality as Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson declared: "We are leaving one era and beginning another". However, President Vladimir Putin warned the two countries informing that it may lead to a "response". It poses "no direct threat for us... but the expansion of military infrastructure to these territories will certainly provoke our response," Putin said. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia sends nuclear-capable Iskander missiles to Finland's border: Report

Finland's desire to join the NATO military alliance has not gone down well with Moscow. In the latest, it has warned Finland that the country would face consequences for NATO membership without any delay, the threat by Moscow comes at a time when Ukraine has claimed to have damaged a Russian navy in the Black Sea.

Russia threatens to retaliate over Finland's NATO membership move

In a monumental decision Sweden and Finland both have now confirmed that they will apply for NATO membership, a decision which will bring about one of the biggest changes to Europe's security architecture in decades.

Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans

Sweden & Finland will soon apply for NATO membership. There were apprehensions about Turkey not supporting their NATO bid. Now Turkey has laid down demands for NATO membership of two Nordic countries. “They need to stop supporting terrorist organisations. The defence industry restriction or the prohibitions on export permits imposed to an ally such as Turkey should definitely be lifted,” Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu said. Meanwhile, US & NATO are confident that Turkey will not impede membership.

Why did Turkey set demands on Finland & Sweden joining NATO?

Nordic countries Finland and Sweden have ditched neutrality and seek to join the NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Finland & Sweden ditches neutrality & seek to join NATO amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application.

The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden.

In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-prepares-for-russian-military-push-in-donbas-region-amid-ongoing-crisis-479397">Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis</a>

"Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. 
"The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said.

Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO.

"This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday.

Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia.

It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans

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Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow.

An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs&nbsp;at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining.

Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-ruling-party-backs-nato-membership-479243">Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership</a>

According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24.

Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto.

"The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting.

Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO&nbsp;

Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue.

Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership.&nbsp;

The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March.

Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against.

Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's.

As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden".

She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland.

If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened."

But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". 
"The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said.

The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic."

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Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application. The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden. In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Also read | Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis "Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. "The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said. Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO. "This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday. Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia. It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939. Watch | Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow. An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining. Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership. Also read | Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24. Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto. "The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting. Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue. Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership. The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March. Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against. Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's. As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden". She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland. If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened." But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". "The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said. The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swedish, Finnish MPs debate NATO membership

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have applied for NATO membership. However, tensions are escalating over the issue as Russia is against their bid.

Finnish President calls Russian President Putin as tensions escalate over Finland's NATO bid

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