BRUSSELS – Russia warned Finland and Sweden on Thursday that if they join NATO, Moscow will strengthen the Baltic Sea region, including with nuclear weapons.
The threat came a day after Finnish authorities suggested their country could seek to join the 30-member military alliance within weeks, and after Sweden considered making a move.
Finland is approaching NATO accession
Helsinki and Stockholm are officially non-military, but are reviewing their status in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to escalating warnings from Russia.
Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Thursday that NATO enlargement would force Moscow to strengthen its air, land and naval forces to “balance” its military capabilities. region.
“If Sweden and Finland join NATO, the length of the alliance’s land borders with the Russian Federation will more than double. Of course, these borders will have to be strengthened, “he wrote in the Telegram.
“We can no longer talk about the status of the Baltic Sea without nuclear energy – the balance must be restored,” Medvedev said.
Putin’s war brings Finland and Sweden closer to joining NATO
His comments reflect Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who told British media last week that if the two Scandinavian countries joined NATO, Russia would be forced to “rebalance the situation”. He added: “We will have to make our western flank more sophisticated in terms of ensuring our security.”
Putin has said he opposes NATO enlargement as a reason for invading Ukraine. His war can do exactly what he sought to prevent: increase alliance membership.
The addition of Finland and Sweden to NATO will redraw the security picture of Northern Europe, shifting the alliance’s border to the right to more than 800 miles from the Finnish-Russian border.
NATO’s basic principle is Article 5, an agreement according to which an armed attack on one member will be considered an attack on all, with an obligation of mutual protection. In both Finland and Sweden, this is becoming more and more attractive.
What is NATO and why is Ukraine not a member?
In both countries, Russia’s attack on neighboring Ukraine has led to a sharp shift in public sentiment towards NATO, with more people supporting membership.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Wednesday that her country was reconsidering the decision, but could act quickly.
“We must be prepared for any action by Russia,” Marin told reporters. “I will not give any schedule when we will make our decisions, but I think it will happen quite quickly – within weeks, not months.
Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats, who have traditionally opposed NATO membership, have also said they will reconsider their position in the coming months.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels last week that both countries meet the alliance’s standards and would be welcome if they wish to join.
“There are no other countries closer to NATO,” he said.
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