Following Finland’s announcement that it will pursue membership in NATO, Russia has indicated that it will take retaliatory actions, sending a clear warning.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, such an action would significantly damage bilateral relations as well as the security and stability of Northern Europe.
Russia’s warnings come in response to statements by the Finnish president and prime minister urging the country to apply for NATO membership “without delay”.
On Sunday, Finland will formally announce its decision following parliamentary consultations. Sweden will announce its decision on the same day.
The Russian statement described Finland’s decision as “a radical change in the country’s foreign policy”.
“Russia will be forced to retaliate, both military-technical and otherwise, in order to neutralize the threats to its national security that arise from it,” the statement said.
According to the Russian agency Ria Novosti, Russia’s Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Poliansky, said that Sweden and Finland would become potential targets for Russia if it joined NATO.
Read also: Greece is expanding its military cooperation with the UAE – GEOPOLITIKI
