Finland says president spoke with Putin about NATO membership

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday about the Nordic country’s application for NATO membership, which is expected to be officially announced this weekend, his office said.

“The conversation was straightforward and direct and carried out without aggravation. It was considered important to avoid tensions,” Niinisto said in a statement from his office.

“The phone call was initiated by Finland.”

Finland “wants to deal with the practical issues that arise from being a neighbor of Russia in a proper and professional manner,” Niinisto said.

Finnish President and Prime Minister Sanna Marin had said Thursday that they wanted the country to join NATO “without delay” and that a bid for membership was expected to be announced on Sunday.