Russia: "Finland and Sweden NATO Membership Will Be a Serious Mistake"

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Russia has strongly warned that Finland and Sweden's push to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would be a "grave mistake."

On the 16th (local time), according to foreign media including RIA Novosti, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov made this comment regarding Finland and Sweden's efforts to join NATO.

Deputy Minister Ryabkov said, "No one should have the illusion that we will accept this (the two countries' NATO membership) willingly," adding, "The United States and other NATO countries are the same."

He continued, "Finland and Sweden's NATO membership will be a grave mistake," sarcastically adding, "But what can you do? The level of those currently making political decisions in the relevant countries is just that."

He also emphasized again, "It is clear that Finland and Sweden's security will not be strengthened by joining NATO."