Finland says it could join NATO despite pressure from Russia

Finland has said it could join NATO in defiance of Russia's warning that the alliance should not be allowed to expand any further to the east. Sauli Niinisto, president of the Nordic country, made the remark during a New Year address on Saturday which seemed designed to antagonise Vladimir Putin. Putin had previously demanded cast iron guarantees that Ukraine never be allowed to join NATO, saying the alliance's eastwards expansion is a threat to his border. That prompted Niinisto's remark, which appears designed as a warning to Russia not to threaten neighbouring states. Finland could request to join NATO, its…