text: FINLAND SIDES WITH NATO AGAINST RUSSIA: During a New Year’s address, Finnish Prime Minister Marin and President Niinisto said the Nordic country may seek NATO membership at any time. The statements are in response to Russian foreign minister Lavrov threatening “serious military and political consequences that would require an adequate response from the Russian side.” Despite Finland’s close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, support is growing in Helsinki given the military build-up near Ukraine. Russia continues to demand NATO cease expansion into its sphere of influence. (AC: Finland and Sweden have close bilateral ties with NATO members, and their inclusion in the military alliance would significantly strengthen NATO’s footprint. The Soviets attempted to invade Finland in 1939, but were rebuffed, which will become a strong propaganda component should tensions escalate. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Finland hasn’t reduced its military strength like other European countries.