Russia warns of nuclear escalation if Sweden, Finland join NATO

Sweden and Finland is reviewing security arrangements after Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine. Polls in both countries show support for joining NATO.

However, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev shared on April 14 that, if Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO really took place, Russia would respond, Sky News reported.

“In this case, there will be no more discussions on denuclearization with the Baltics, the balance must be restored,” Medvedev said.

Mr. Medvedev – the former president of Russia from 2008-2012 – noted, so far, Russia has not applied such measures and does not intend to do so. If Russia is forced to do so, please note that Russia is not the first party.

Referring to the land border, Mr. Medvedev said: “Of course (the border) will have to be strengthened.”

He also said that Russia would “seriously strengthen the gathering of ground and air defense forces as well as the deployment of significant naval forces in the Gulf of Finland”.

Medvedev said on Telegram that Russia will have “many officially registered opponents” if NATO admits more members. According to him, NATO is preparing to admit Finland and Sweden with “minimum bureaucratic procedures”.

Mr. Medvedev also added that Russia’s response should be considered “emotionless, with a cool head”.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin participated in a joint press conference in Stockholm on April 13. Here, Ms. Marin said Finland is ready to make a decision on its accession NATO “within weeks” following extensive deliberation in the 200-seat Eduskunta legislature.

Responding to the statement of former Russian President Medvedev, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said that Russia already has nuclear weapons in the Baltic region.

Anusauskas told BNS news agency that Russian nuclear weapons have been deployed in Russia’s Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea since before hostilities in Ukraine started.

“Nuclear weapons have always been kept in Kaliningrad. The international community, the countries of the region, are fully aware of this,” – Lithuania’s defense minister said.