Kremlin threatens retaliation after Finland leaders say it must join Nato

Sauli Niinistö (right) and Sanna Marin. ‘We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly,’ they said. Photograph: Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/AFP/Getty Images

Finland must apply to join Nato “without delay” in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, its president and prime minister have said, signalling a historic shift in the country’s security policy that drew a blunt warning of retaliation from the Kremlin.

With neighbouring Sweden expected to follow suit, Sauli Niinistö, Finland’s president, and Sanna Marin, the prime minister, made the call in a joint statement, adding: “We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.”