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Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is radically changing European views, as a poll published by Finnish television “YLE” found that the majority of the country’s population is in favor of NATO membership, and this is the first time in history.
According to a poll conducted last week, with a sample of nearly 1,400 representatives, 53% of Finns now support Finland’s accession to NATO, with 28% against and 19% unsure.
In 2017, the last time YLE market researchers surveyed the same question, only 19% of Finns were in favor of joining the alliance, while a poll for private broadcaster MTV in January showed that only 30% supported membership.
Juho Rahkonen, director of poll research, said he described the change in public opinion as radical and historic. “Basically, the percentages of those in favor of NATO membership and those against it have changed”Said Rahkonen.
Russia’s invasion has also boosted support for NATO membership in Sweden, with a poll commissioned last week by Swedish public broadcaster SVT showing 41% in favor and 35% against. The Finnish poll suggested that if Sweden applied to join the alliance, support for Finnish membership would rise to 66%.
Finland, an autonomous part of the Russian Empire for more than a century until 1917, shares a 1,340 km (833 mile) border with Russia, the longest of any EU country. Although not a member, Finland and Sweden work closely with NATO, allowing, among other things, alliance troops to exercise on their own soil.
Russia warned last week that if any of the countries sought to join the alliance, they would face “serious military-political consequences” from Moscow.
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