Finland leaders announce support for joining NATO

Finland leaders on Thursday announced their support for their country joining NATO, the U.S.-led, multi-nation military alliance.

The announcement was made by Finland's president and prime minister, according to CNN.

Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization would be a major development in Russia's months-long invasion of Ukraine, considering the Nordic nation shares about 800 miles of borders with Russia.

"NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security," President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in the expected announcement.

"As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days."

The Kremlin has responded by saying the move would be a threat to Russia, CNN also reports.