Russia has once more warned Finland and Sweden of the “consequences” of a possible NATO membership. Helsinki and Stockholm must “understand the consequences of such a step for our bilateral relations and for the European security architecture as a whole,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in Moscow on Friday. Nevertheless, the Finnish Minister for European Affairs, Tytti Tuppurainen, said it was “very likely” that her country would join the western military alliance.
Sweden’s and Finland’s membership in NATO would “probably not contribute to strengthening (their) international reputation,” said the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry. The two countries’ non-aligned policies provide “a reliable level of security,” while membership in a military alliance “is unable to strengthen their national security.” Both countries would “automatically find themselves on the NATO front”.
Former Russian President and current number two on Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, warned on Thursday that Russia would station nuclear weapons near the three Baltic states and Scandinavia if Finland or Sweden decide to join NATO.
Moscow’s military action in Ukraine has resulted in a dramatic reversal in public and political opinion in both Finland and Sweden towards NATO membership. So far, the countries have worked closely with the defense alliance, but are not members.
Sweden’s politicians are currently discussing possible accession, while Finland wants to make an official decision on an application for NATO membership in the coming weeks.
Europe Minister Tuppurainen told the British television channel Sky News on Friday: “It is very likely, but a final decision has not yet been made.” She pointed out that in surveys, the population’s approval of NATO membership had risen to 60 to 70 percent. For decades before the Russian military operation in Ukraine, it was only 20 to 25 percent.
(AFP)