Categories: World

Russia warns Sweden and Finland – understand the consequences of joining NATO

<p>
<strong>Russia has warned Sweden and Finland to "understand the consequences" of joining NATO, saying the "negative consequences" for peace and stability in Northern Europe are obvious after any such move.</strong></p>
<p>
Moscow believes that potential membership in NATO is unlikely to contribute to the strengthening of the international prestige of Sweden and Finland, which in their history were the "conductors of many constructive, uniting initiatives".</p>
<p>
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that with the entry into the North Atlantic bloc, Stockholm and Helsinki will lose this opportunity.</p>
<p>
"It is no secret that the territories of these countries have long been mastered by NATO, large-scale military exercises were held. Why the alliance needs this is understandable. The goal is to continue building up military potential and geographical expansion, to create another flank for Russian threats," said Russian MFA Spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Friday while replying to a media question regarding assessments of the possible intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.</p>
<p>
Zakharova said that the discussion around the possible entry of these countries into NATO has now become much more active which was preceded in recent years by a "purposeful campaign by external forces" to draw Sweden and Finland into the North Atlantic bloc.</p>
<p>
The Russian spokesperson said that, for decades, the foreign policy line of military non-alignment has provided a reliable level of security for Sweden and Finland, served as a solid basis for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation between the countries and Russia, strengthening partnerships in which the role of the military factor has been reduced to zero.</p>
<p>
"NATO membership is not capable of strengthening their national security. They will automatically be on the NATO front line. Moreover, membership in NATO implies, in fact, the renunciation of part of the sovereignty in the development of decisions in the field of defense, and in foreign policy as well," she <a href="https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1809455/">said</a>.</p>
<p>
Moscow also says it remains unclear why its Finnish and Swedish neighbours in the Baltic region will turn into "a new frontier of confrontation" between the NATO bloc and Russia.</p>
<p>
"Naturally, the choice is up to the authorities of Sweden and Finland. But they should also understand the consequences of such a step for our bilateral relations and for the European security architecture as a whole, which is now in a state of crisis," said Zakharova. </p>
<p>
<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/russia-shoots-down-ukrainian-helicopter-with-s-missiles-164490.html">Russia shoots down Ukrainian helicopter with S-400 missiles </a> </strong></p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

VINBAX 2024: Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise concludes at Kaushalya Dam

The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its…

15 hours ago

India-Russia strengthen defence ties at 22nd Working Group meeting on military technical cooperation

The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military technical cooperation and defence industry…

15 hours ago

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

17 hours ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

17 hours ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

19 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

19 hours ago