Russia warns “Finland and Sweden will bear great consequences”

The move from two historically neutral powers would be one of the biggest changes to Europe’s security architecture in decades. This also reflects a profound change in perception in the Nordic region since Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on February 24.

The Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying: “The situation of course changes significantly according to what is happening. The fact is that the security of Sweden and Finland will not be enhanced by this decision. They are not. so under the illusion that we would simply accept that.”

According to Ryabkov, the general level of military tension will increase, the predictability of scenarios will decrease.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. Photo: Reuters

The two Nordic countries are expected to jointly apply to join NATO this week. According to CNN, Finland’s accession to NATO, a process that can take months to complete, will put the US military alliance on the doorstep of Russia because the two countries share a 1,335-kilometer border. Before deciding to join NATO, Finland maintained a policy of neutrality for 75 years while Sweden practiced this policy for two centuries.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Austria and Estonia talked about the prospect of the upcoming sixth EU sanctions package against Russia. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said that a package of sanctions will be introduced in the coming days. According to Schallenberg, Russia’s military problem will be the target of upcoming sanctions.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Photo: AP

Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets expressed hope that EU member states will “make progress”, this sanctions package will be passed and oil-related sanctions will also be introduced this time. , in parallel with calling for continued support for Ukraine militarily and humanitarian.