Finland's NATO Membership Ruffles Russia's Feathers

Finland is set to become NATO's 31st member, doubling the military alliance's border along Russia. The move is seen as a strategic and political blow to President Vladimir Putin, who has long opposed NATO's expansion eastward. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko warned that Moscow would bolster forces near Finland if NATO sends any additional troops or equipment to what will be its 31st member country. The addition of Finland helps to complete NATO's geographical puzzle by filling in a major gap in the strategically important Baltic Sea region in Europe's north.