President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that Russia has no issues with Finland or Sweden, and that their membership in NATO does not pose a threat to Moscow, but that the move will undoubtedly elicit a reaction.
“Russia has no issues with these countries (Finland, Sweden). Russia is not under any immediate threat… However, the extension of military facilities into this region will undoubtedly prompt a response from us “He said this at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) officials in Moscow.
Putin added that the alliance’s response will be determined by the alliance’s actions regarding military development in Finland and Sweden.
The CSTO summit marked the 30th anniversary of the Collective Security Treaty, and the 20th anniversary of the organization, which was formed 10 years after the signing of the agreement.
The leaders of Finland and Sweden have confirmed their intention to join NATO, abandoning decades of military non-alignment.