The Kremlin warned Sweden and Finland on Monday against joining NATO as Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine.
"The alliance remains a tool geared towards confrontation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to the BBC.
Finland is expected to turn in its application by the end of June. Members of Parliament anticipate a security report from intelligence officials this week, and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said the government is expected to finish consideration"before midsummer." Sweden's ruling party has signaled it is warming up to the prospect of applying, a shift from its prior stance, amid the war in Ukraine.Russia will"re-balance the situation" if both countries join, Peskov said. Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, warned of"military and political consequences," according to the report.
The State Department said last week that there were talks between NATO leadership and envoys from Finland and Sweden. If they were to join the alliance, NATO would expand to 32 members. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said both Finland and Sweden would be welcome.Millions of Ukrainians have fled their country as Russia's invasion stretches into its second month.
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