Russia warns of “military consequences” if Sweden and Finland join NATO
Refilwe Moloto interviews international correspondent Adam Gilchrist.
Russia warns Sweden and Finland to join NATO, saying the alliance is “a tool focused on confrontation”.
Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has aroused public support in its Nordic neighbors to join NATO.
Finland shares a 1340 km long border with Russia and its invasion of Ukraine has shaken the Finns deeply.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, Sweden’s security position changed fundamentally,” read a statement from Sweden’s ruling Social Democratic Party, which is traditionally strongly opposed to NATO membership.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently threatened Sweden and Finland with “military and political consequences” if they join NATO, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would need to “rebalance the situation” with its own measures if two countries joined.
Refilwe Moloto interviewed international correspondent Adam Gilchrist (scroll up to listen).
Russia does not see the invasion of Ukraine as offensive …
Adam Gilchrist, International Correspondent
US defense officials have suggested that the invasion of Ukraine is likely to cause the exact opposite of what Russia wants … Foreign ministers from Helsinki and Stockholm have already had meetings with NATO …
Adam Gilchrist, International Correspondent
This article first appeared on CapeTalk: Russia warns of “military consequences” if Sweden and Finland join NATO
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