Russia has warned Finland and Sweden to snap out of their plans to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying that would be a “grave mistake” and would elicit reactions from Moscow.
Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkovaverred that the two Nordic nations, which announced their intention to join NATO membership, were embarking on a misguided path “with far-reaching consequences”.
He said “The fact that the security of Sweden and Finland will not be strengthened as a result of this decision is very clear to us”
“They should have no illusions that we will simply put up with it.”
It’s believed that entry into NATO by Finland and Sweden — long officially non-aligned nations that have avoided allying with major powers — would significantly alter the transatlantic security architecture in existence since the end of World War II. Also, the move would represent a major geopolitical blow for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who cited thwarting NATO expansion as a primary reason for invading Ukraine.
According to reports, the decision by Stockholm and Helsinki to ask to join the 30-nation pact reflects the seismic shift in attitudes in Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe since the war in Ukraine began Feb. 24.
Though he did not spell out specific consequences for the two Nordic nations, Ryabkovaverred that the move would aggravate regional instability.
Ryabkov said“The general level of military tension will rise; predictability in this sphere will decrease”.
“It is a shame that common sense is being sacrificed to some phantom provision about what should be done in this unfolding situation.”
It’s important to note that Finland shares a more-than-800-mile border with Russia, which views any expansion of NATO toward its territory as a huge security threat.On the other hand, Sweden sits on Finland’s western flank and is also partially bordered by the Baltic Sea.
