Ukraine War: Finland Confirms Nato Bid Despite Putin Warning

Finland has confirmed that it will apply for Nato membership, despite warnings from Russia's President Vladimir Putin that abandoning neutrality would be a "mistake".

President Sauli Niinisto called it a "historic day". He says the shift in policy is in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nato foreign ministers say they want a rapid accession process for Finland.

Sweden could also announce its intention to join as soon as Monday.

Finland shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia. Until now, it has stayed out of Nato to avoid antagonising its eastern neighbour.