Finland’s Nato membership poses ‘real dilemma’ for Putin, western officials warn

Finland, which has an 830-mile border with Russia, formally became the 31st member of the bloc in a ceremony at Nato’s Brussels headquarters on Tuesday.

British troops taking taken part in Exercise Vigilant Knife alongside Swedish and Finnish armed forces (MoD/PA)

Finland’s new Nato membership poses a “real dilemma” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, western officials have warned.

The latest addition to the alliance will be able to make a “significant” contribution to its armament, officials said on Wednesday.