Finland to formally join NATO tomorrow, Jens Stoltenberg announces

Finland will officially join NATO tomorrow when the military alliance kicks off a crunch summit.

The Nordic nation, along with Sweden, applied for membership last May - just weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine.

All 30 existing member countries have ratified the process for Finland - meaning Helsiniki will enjoy full protection of the nuclear-armed coalition from tomorrow.

Hailing a “historic and great day”, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said today: “Tomorrow we will welcome Finland as the 31st member of NATO, making Finland safer and our alliance stronger.”

A flag raising ceremony to add the Finland’s to those of the other members will take place at NATO’s Brussels headquarters this afternoon.

Sweden’s application for membership is being held up by Turkey, but Mr Stoltenberg insisted: “I’m fully confident that Sweden will become a member.