Russia has threatened to post ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons on its borders if Sweden and Finland are allowed to join NATO, and has warned that Ukraine’s joining the military alliance may spark World War III.
According to Dimitry Medveder, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, Moscow does not see any threat from Sweden and Finland as potential North Atlantic Treaty Organization members because relations with these countries have been “quite respectful and mutually well-meaning,” but Russia must still be prepared for any retaliatory action.
“The length of NATO’s land borders with Russia will more than increase in the event of such an expansion,” Mr. Medvedev told the government publication Argumenty.