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Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters in Moscow on May 14 that the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO would require a strategic change and that the Kremlin would take “adequate measures” to respond to the development, if NATO nuclear forces would be closer to Russia’s borders.
Grushko added that Russia has no hostile intentions towards Finland and Sweden, where reliance on traditionally neutral states has increased following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February. Russia has cited Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO as one of the main reasons for starting the war.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto this week backed NATO membership “without delay”, saying it would strengthen the security of the state, which shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia.
The leading party, the Social Democrats, is expected to announce support for joining NATO on May 14th, a move that paves the way for membership applications in the coming days.
The Swedish government has also presented plans to apply for NATO membership and is also expected to announce this soon.
NATO foreign ministers, starting May 14, will hold two-day meetings in Berlin, and will also discuss the possible membership of Sweden and Finland.
Many NATO members have already expressed their support for the membership of Sweden and Finland.
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