Russians "Military, Technical, and Other Forms of Retaliation" Pressure
US and NATO "Support Finland and Sweden's Membership"... Rapid Accession Expected
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian government strongly opposed Finland's declaration to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stating that retaliatory measures are inevitable. As NATO is expected to soon complete the accession procedures for Finland and Sweden, there are concerns that Russia, which is expected to become increasingly isolated within Europe, may respond with military retaliation such as deploying nuclear forces in border areas.
According to CNN on the 12th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "The pro-NATO remarks made by Finnish President Sauli Niinist? and Prime Minister Sanna Marin represent a radical shift in Finland's foreign policy," and strongly warned, "They must fully understand the responsibilities and consequences that such actions will bring." It added, "In this regard, we have no choice but to take military, technical, and other retaliatory measures to prevent threats to national security."
Earlier that day, President Niinist? and Prime Minister Marin officially declared their NATO membership by stating in a joint statement, "We will apply for NATO membership without delay." Accordingly, Finland will abandon its neutral status after 74 years since declaring neutrality in 1948. The Russian Foreign Ministry also emphasized, "Finland's NATO membership will directly violate the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty and the 1992 treaty on the basis of Russia-Finland relations."
At a press conference that day, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, criticized, "As has been pointed out multiple times, NATO's expansion does not make Europe and the world safer and more stable, contrary to their words." "Finland's policy inevitably causes our regret and compels us to take symmetrical responses."
Despite Russia's opposition, Finland, which declared its NATO membership, and Sweden, which is also preparing to apply for NATO membership, are expected to join NATO swiftly. On the same day, the U.S. White House also expressed support for Finland and Sweden's NATO membership moves. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said at a press briefing, "If Finland or Sweden applies for NATO membership, we will support it," and added, "We will respect whatever decisions they make."
Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed support, saying, "We welcome Finland's decision," and "The accession process will proceed smoothly and swiftly." The two countries' membership announcements are expected as early as next month.
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