Russia warns Finland, changes stance on EU

Finland’s plan to join NATO, announced on May 12, along with the suggestion that Sweden could follow, will lead to the expansion of NATO that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to prevent.

Finland’s abandonment of its policy of neutrality maintained throughout the World War would be one of the most remarkable changes in European security in decades.

Describing Finland’s announcement as “a hostile move”, Russia threatened to take retaliatory steps, including unspecified “military-technical” measures. “Helsinki must clearly understand the responsibility and consequences of such a move,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.

Russian officials have previously talked about potential measures, such as deploying nuclear missiles in the Baltic Sea.

Russia warned Finland of dire consequences if it abandoned its policy of neutrality to join NATO. Photo: Reuters

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Finland would be “warmly welcomed”, and pledged a “quick and smooth” assessment process.

Similarly, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that Washington supports Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy recently announced that Moscow has changed its stance on the scenario of Ukraine joining the European Union (EU).

Previously, Moscow was not afraid of Ukraine joining the EU, but this position has changed, Deputy Ambassador Polyanskiy said in an interview on May 12 with Unherd News. This means that any potential peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev will not allow Kiev to join the EU.

He explained that his country has changed its stance because of Brussels’ behavior since Russia launched a military campaign against Ukraine at the end of February. In particular, Moscow sees the EU as an integrated entity. closely with NATO.

Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy. Photo: Reuters

This can be seen from the recent statement of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, who he affirmed is expressing his will for a military solution to the conflict. Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

“Things changed after Mr. Borrell declared the need to win on the battlefield, as well as following the fact that the EU took the lead in arms deliveries to Ukraine,” Polyanskiy said. RT.

He also acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has escalated to the point where there is little room for a diplomatic solution. The reason, according to Mr. Polyanskiy, is the lack of constructive dialogue while Ukraine is not keeping its commitments and the West is trying to increase tensions.

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has shown no sign of abating. Photo taken in Mariupol city – Ukraine on May 12. Photo: Reuters