Putin wanted to 'slam NATO's door shut' but 'failed' - Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has welcomed Finland to the military alliance by referring to the Ukraine war, saying: "At times like this, friends and allies are more important than ever."
Speaking at a news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, he said: "Finland now has the strongest friends and allies in the world.
"President Putin wanted to slam NATO's door shut.
"Today we showed the world that he failed - that aggression and intimidation do not work.
"Instead of less NATO, he has achieved the opposite - more NATO.
"And our door remains firmly open."
Mr Stoltenberg said the Finnish flag would be "raised at NATO's headquarters for the first time today - 31 flags will fly together, a symbol of our unity and our solidarity".
He said that joining the alliance is good for Finland, good for Nordic security and good for NATO as a whole.
He also said Finland had substantial and highly capable forces and years of experience working alongside NATO.
Mr Stoltenberg said he looked forward to welcoming Sweden as soon as possible.
He said Sweden had "delivered" on commitments it had made and nothing should hinder its final ratification as a member of NATO, describing it as a "top priority".
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Poor Putin.....
https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-...-wagner-12541713?postid=5732039#liveblog-body