Finland rejects Russia's NATO exit demand as absurd and non-negotiable

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen dismissed Russia's reported demand for Finland to leave NATO as absurd and non-negotiable, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle. The demand, reportedly made by Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi and cited by German newspaper Bild, also included calls to ban NATO bases in Baltic states. Häkkänen noted Russia has made such demands since 2021, testing Western resolve. Häkkänen said Russia seeks to limit NATO and reshape European security, urging the West to signal that Russia only stands to lose in the war. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen declined to comment on the report but affirmed NATO membership decisions rest solely with Finland and the alliance.