Finland officially announces intention to join NATO in historic decision that breaks with decades of neutrality

• Finland announced on Sunday that it intends to apply for membership in NATO, AP News reported.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that applying to NATO would "negatively affect" Finnish-Russian relations.

Finland announced on Sunday that it intends to apply for membership in NATO, AP News reported.

Finland's President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin made the announcement at a joint news conference at Helsinki's Presidential Palace.

The intention to join is likely to be endorsed by the Finnish Parliament in the coming days, AP reported.

A formal membership application will then be submitted to NATO next week, the news agency said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Finland that applying to NATO would "negatively affect" Russian-Finnish relations, per The Guardian.

Niinisto's office had announced its intention to apply for membership, citing how Finland's security situation has changed since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Finland is vulnerable to a Russian attack because it shares an 830-mile border with Russia.

Finland has maintained a position of neutralitysince the end of the Second World War.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.