The Kremlin on Thursday said Finland’s decision to join NATO “definitely” poses a threat to Russia and that expanding the military bloc will not make Europe or the world any more stable.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters that the steps taken by Finland to join NATO are cause for regret and a reason to impose an appropriate response.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also spoke up.
“Finland’s accession to NATO is a radical change in the country’s foreign policy,” the ministry said in a statement.
2 of 4 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a press conference March 24 — Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/Pool via REUTERS
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a news conference March 24 — Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/Pool via REUTERS
“Russia will be forced to take both militarytechnical and other retaliatory measures to prevent a threat to its national security.”
He also shared that this move could change the entire way Russia conducts its foreign policy.
3 of 4 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow — Photo: Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow (Photo: Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS)
When asked if this posed a threat to Russia, Peskov replied: “Definitely. NATO expansion does not make our continent more stable and secure.”
He also said Finland has adhered to “hostile measures” against Russia.
“It will all depend on how this process of expanding NATO (in NATO) unfolds, how close the military infrastructure is to our borders,” Peskov said when asked about Russian reactions.
Prior to Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Finland had maintained a policy of neutrality toward Russia, with which it shares a 1,340 km (830 mi) border, since World War II.
4 of 4 Sweden’s Prime Minister Andersson meets with Finland’s Prime Minister Marin in Stockholm on April 13, 2022 — Photo: Paul Wennerholm/TT News Agency/via Reuters
Sweden’s Prime Minister Andersson meets with Finland’s Prime Minister Marin in Stockholm April 13, 2022 — Photo: Paul Wennerholm/TT News Agency/via Reuters
The country is likely to join NATO this year, along with neighboring Sweden, another traditionally neutral power that previously refrained from joining the USled alliance.