Finnish President Niinisto: In terms of poker, Putin went all-in

Sauli Niinisto discusses Russia’s possible reaction to his country’s promise to join NATO.

Finland shares a border with Russia that is over 1,300 kilometers long, so maintaining neutrality in the power struggle between East and West has always been critical to the country’s survival.

The Nordic nation had previously refused to join NATO. But after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Helsinki cast aside its historic neutrality and officially applied to join the West’s main military alliance. In response, Moscow warned that there could be political and military consequences.

So is a Russian offensive possible? And would Finland be prepared to face it?

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto speaks to Al Jazeera.