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HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland inched closer to joining NATO on Wednesday after its major parliamentary groups expressed support for some form of a military alliance as a response to Russia s invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish Parliament on Wednesday began debating the possibility of Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joining NATO. Prime Minister Sanna Marin s Social Democrats stopped short of mentioning NATO in their addresses but nevertheless voiced support for an idea of a military alliance. It is evident that Russia s actions have brought Finland several steps closer to military alignment being necessary, Social Democrat group leader Antti Lindtman told fellow parliament members. Finland is a close partner with NATO, but has maintained a militarily non-aligned status. Now, however, its defence and security needed strengthening, and a decision on whether to apply for NATO membership could be taken within weeks, Marin has said. The government has also indicated public suppo

Eteläuomen läiJuha pylvasAnne kauranenEssi lehtoAntti lindtmanTomasz janowskiJussi saramoCentre partyFinnish parliament onLeft allianceFinnish parliamentMinister sanna marinSocial democratsNational securityInternational organisation