The President of the United States Joe Biden and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto discussed strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring strong "defense and deterrence" in northern Europe.

"The leaders also discussed ongoing transatlantic coordination to impose costs on Russia... The Presidents also discussed the importance of NATO’s Open Door policy. In addition, they discussed energy security and efforts to address climate change," the White House said in a press release on Friday. 

Finland ready to discuss NATO accession

Finland aims to discuss its possible accession to NATO because the situation in eastern and northern Europe has significantly changed over the Russian military operation in Ukraine, President Sauli Niinisto said.

"Well, we have a changed situation in both Finland and Sweden. For the first time, we see that majority of people are pro [joining NATO], according to the polls, and this is something we are now open to discussion with our parliament. We try to define all the circumstances or the risks and all the benefits and to do that, quite efficiently as soon as possible," Niinisto told Fox News late Friday.

It is worth noting that after Ukraine requested to enter NATO, several states followed in its footsteps. 

Read more: The losses of the Ukrainian forces

Moreover, Russia had mentioned earlier that it will have to respond if Sweden and Finland become NATO members, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

"All OSCE member states in their national capacity, including Finland and Sweden, have reaffirmed the principle that the security of one country cannot be built at the expense of the security of others," Zakharova told a press briefing in Moscow.