Finland is preparing for a potentially historic decision “before midsummer” on whether to apply to join NATO as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

The Nordic nation of 5.5 million has traditionally been militarily non-aligned, in part to avoid provoking its eastern neighbour, with which it shares a 1,300 kilometre (830 mile) border.

But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 saw public support for joining NATO double from 30 to 60 percent, according to a series of polls.

Nato’s ‘achilles heel’: alliance conducts war games in nervous Lithuania

Finland and Sweden set to join NATO as soon as summer, report says

Sweden and Finland could soon join NATO

To Join NATO Or Not: Finland Gears Up For “Historic” Decision

Ukraine: Three ways war for Ukraine fit escalate and drag in Nato

Sweden and Finland consider joining NATO amidst Ukraine-Russia war

Finland & Sweden Warm Up To Idea Of Joining NATO Amid Russian War In Ukraine: Report

NATO Expects To Maintain Heavy, Long-Term Military Presence On Its Eastern Border

Ukraine, NATO and a Zeitenwende

Zelensky on NATO: ‘no longer interested in their diplomacy’