Russia on the 4th (local time) slammed Finland’s official membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as “increasing the risk of widespread conflict.”
According to foreign media, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with Russian military leaders that day that NATO members are stepping up their “anti-Russian policy” along with increased military aid to Ukraine, which “will lead to escalation of war.” said like this.
“Russia’s Iskander-M ballistic missile system has been delivered to Belarus,” he said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, accusing Finland of giving up its identity and losing its independence (military non-alignment), which had been given a special status in international affairs for decades.
It also warned that “(NATO accession) will have a negative impact on relations between Russia and Finland.”
Finland completed the process of joining NATO, the Western military alliance, on the same day. It is the 74th anniversary of the founding of NATO. This makes Finland the 31st member of NATO.
Finland shares the border with Russia for about 1,300 km. Finland’s accession to NATO doubled the border between Russia and NATO member countries.
Russia sees this as a threat to its national security.
However, Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “Finland has become a ‘small’ NATO member that does not influence any decisions” and said that “Russia’s response to national security threats depends on the deployment of NATO’s military facilities and offensive weapons.” .
In this regard, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “NATO has not seen a change in Russia’s nuclear posture that would require a change in the alliance.” did.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that “we will devise tactical and strategic countermeasures to ensure our security.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.