Don’t Consider Joining NATO, Russia Warns Sweden, Finland

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.

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“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”

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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.

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