President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh warning to Finland and Sweden, stating that Russia would respond “symmetrically” if Nato sets up military infrastructure in the two Nordic countries following their accession to the alliance. Speaking at a news conference in Turkmenistan, Putin said Moscow had no territorial disputes with Helsinki or Stockholm, unlike with Ukraine, but cautioned that any deployment of military contingents or infrastructure would prompt a reciprocal response.
Russian officials have reacted angrily to Nato’s offer of membership to Finland and Sweden, which was prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov condemned the alliance’s “irresponsible course,” accusing it of destabilising European security. He expressed doubt that the upcoming period would be calm for Russia’s northern neighbours, while another senior lawmaker, Konstantin Kosachev, warned that accession would worsen relations between Russia and the two countries.
Russia has previously threatened to strengthen its defences in the Baltic Sea region, including by deploying nuclear weapons, if Finland and Sweden join Nato. The warnings come amid heightened tensions with Baltic Nato members, with senior lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov suggesting that a blockade of Russia’s Kaliningrad region could lead to armed conflict with Lithuania. Moscow has dismissed arguments that its own actions are responsible for Nato’s enlargement, instead accusing the alliance of aggressive intentions toward Russia.
