Finland says NATO membership is non-negotiable after alleged Russian demands

Finland's government has warned that its NATO membership is non-negotiable, calling reports of alleged Russian demands for its withdrawal "absolutely outrageous." The issue reportedly arose during recent Russia-Ukraine talks mediated by the US in the United Arab Emirates. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen stated Russia knows these matters are not negotiable, according to German tabloid Bild. Moscow reportedly seeks a new European security order, including keeping Ukraine out of military alliances and banning NATO bases in Baltic states. The Kremlin denied raising Finland's NATO membership during the Abu Dhabi talks. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, ending its historical military neutrality after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding 1,340 kilometers to NATO's border with Russia.