By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI, Reuters -Finland’s president Sauli Niinisto said on Sunday that the country will apply to NATO for military membership. This historic shift in policy was prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow shares an 800-mile (1300km) border with Finland. Moscow has stated that joining the transatlantic alliance of 30 countries would not be wise for Helsinki and would cause harm to bilateral relations.

Sweden will likely follow the lead of Sweden, as Sweden’s public support has grown in spite security fears.

After Prime Minister Sanna Marina and Niinisto said that they were both in favor of NATO membership on Thursday, Sunday’s announcement is a clear signal for the country to apply.

Niinisto stated that “Today we have decided together, the president, and the government’s foreign policy committee…that Finland… will request NATO membership.” He spoke to reporters at the Helsinki presidential palace.

Niinisto called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Finland’s intention to join the Alliance. Putin claimed that this would cause problems in Russian-Finnish relations.

Finland and I aren’t known for sneaking around quietly hiding behind corners. “It is better to tell it straight what has already been said, and also to the affected party,” he stated about Sunday’s call.

After Ankara’s objections, the Finnish President expressed willingness to have talks with Tayyip Turkey.

Turkey is a NATO Member and could therefore veto any applications.

Niinisto admitted that he wasn’t clear on what he thought was a shift of Turkey’s stance. “What is needed now is a very specific answer. I am ready to have another discussion with President Erdogan over the issues that he has raised.”