Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has underlined the advantages of NATO membership as Russia's war on Ukraine continues, causing thousands of deaths and massive destruction.
Marin did not go as far as to support or oppose an application to join the alliance, but made it clear that there was no other security solution equivalent to being a member of the military alliance.
"NATO Article 5 provides comprehensive security. NATO also has joint exercises and a common defence policy," Marin said in a lengthy interview with Radio Suomi on Sunday, Yle radio reported.
No system offers the same security guarantees as NATO, she said.
Russia's war on Ukraine has reignited a debate in Finland and neighbouring Sweden about NATO membership. Marin welcomed the discussion that she described as analytical and good, adding that now is the right time to discuss it comprehensively.
Sweden and Finland are both close NATO partner but not members. However, Finland is rapidly moving towards a decision on the issue and some say Helsinki could apply to become a member in May or June. A NATO summit is planned for June 29-30 in Madrid.
The Finnish government plans to present a security policy report in the course of the week, while the Swedish government said it would publish a similar analysis by the end of May.
Finland and Sweden appear ready to join NATO as early as this summer, according to Britain's The Times newspaper.
Joining NATO would be more complicated in Sweden where the governing Social Democrats took a clear stance opposing membership in November. Elections are due to be held there in September.
However, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's party said on Monday that it would initiate an internal "security policy dialogue" to adjust its analyses to the new situation since Russia invaded Ukraine, with the NATO issue likely to be included.
Finland, closer to the Alliance
Finland's President Sauli Niinistö recently spoke with US President Joe Biden and several other heads of state and government of the 30 NATO countries.
Meanwhile German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited him in Helsinki on Friday.
All of the talks likely also addressed the question of whether any individual members might have any objections to admitting the Finns to the alliance as it is a question which must be agreed on by all NATO members.
"If they decide to apply, I expect all allies to welcome them," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week, commenting on possible membership applications from Finland and Sweden.
Many governments are revisiting questions of security following Russia's bombardment of Ukraine which began on February 24.
