MOSCOW: The Kremlin has announced that Finland’s membership in NATO is an “assault on our security” and that Russia will take countermeasures.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, stated that NATO’s expansion is a threat to Russia’s national interests and forces the country to act in tactical and strategic terms.
However, he did not provide further details regarding what specific measures Russia would take.
Finland became the 31st member of the NATO alliance on Tuesday, marking a historic strategic shift prompted by Moscow’s aggression towards Ukraine, which has doubled the US-led alliance’s border with Russia.
The Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine has upended Europe’s security landscape, leading Finland and Sweden to abandon decades of military non-alignment.
The Russian foreign ministry issued a separate statement, claiming that Finland’s NATO membership had caused the country to lose “its self-identity and any independence.”
According to the statement, the enlargement of the US-led alliance’s border with Russia has profoundly changed the situation in Northern Europe.
The foreign ministry also indicated that Russia’s response would depend on “concrete conditions” surrounding Finland’s NATO integration, including the deployment of NATO military infrastructure and strike weapons systems on its territory.
Finland’s controversial decision to join NATO
Finland’s decision to join NATO has been controversial, with concerns that it could escalate tensions with Russia.
However, the Finnish government maintains that joining the alliance is necessary for the country’s security and stability.
The Kremlin’s warning of countermeasures highlights the ongoing tension between Russia and NATO, with both sides taking actions that have increased military activity and raised concerns about a potential conflict.
The development also underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and promote cooperation in the region.
As Finland embarks on its new role as a NATO member, there will likely be continued efforts to maintain open channels of communication with Russia and engage in dialogue to address shared concerns and promote stability.
