Final answer:
Finland does not have any of the main northward-flowing rivers like the Irtysh or the Yenisey, as it's located further west near the Baltic Sea. The country's strategic location is underscored by its recent accession to NATO, emphasizing its importance in Northern European geopolitics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the northward flow in the context of Finland, it is most likely related to the main rivers in the region, such as the Irtysh, Ob, Yenisey, and Lena, which flow north through Siberia into the Arctic Ocean. Finland, however, is situated further west and does not house any of these rivers. The major water flows near Finland would typically be the ones heading into the Baltic Sea.
The newest development regarding Finland in geographic and political terms is its accession to NATO, which occurred on April 4, 2023, acknowledging Finland's strategic location and its long land border with Russia. This political change highlights the significant place Finland holds in the Northern European region, especially in light of the war in Ukraine which has affected traditional diplomatic alignments and regional security concerns.