Russia threatens military consequences should Sweden, Finland join NATO

Russia warned of “serious military-political repercussions that would demand a response from our country.”

Russia has said that it would have to respond if Sweden and Finland decides to join NATO.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova held a press conference on Friday and reflected on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the intentions of Russia going forward.

“Finland and Sweden should not base their security damaging the security of other countries,” Ms Zakharova said.

“Clearly [the] accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO, which is first and foremost a military alliance, would have serious military-political repercussions that would demand a response from our country”

Russia’s comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the country was receiving support from both nations.

“Discussed with [Finnish President Sauli Niinistö] countering the aggressor. Informed about our defense, insidious shelling of Kyiv,” Mr Zelensky tweeted on Friday.

“Grateful to [Finland] for allocating $50 million [in] aid. It’s an effective contribution to the anti-war coalition. We keep working. We need to increase sanctions and [Ukraine] defense support,” he added.

Later, Mr Zelensky tweeted “Sweden provides military, technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Grateful to [Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson] for her effective support. Building an anti-Putin coalition together.”

Both Finland and Sweden had condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.