According to Finnish and Swedish newspapers, Finland and Sweden are planning to announce their intentions to join NATO at the same time in May.

Both countries are non-aligned militarily, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased public enthusiasm for joining the Western defensive alliance.

According to the Finnish tabloid Iltalehti, the leaders of Finland and Sweden plan to meet in the week of May 16 and then announce their intention to join NATO.

Pekka Haavisto, Finland’s Foreign Minister, declined to comment.

According to the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet, which cited anonymous sources, the two countries are expected to make announcements the same week.

If Finland and Sweden join NATO, Russia has warned of a nuclear buildup in the Baltic.

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