Kremlin claims that Finland, Sweden NATO membership will not strengthen European security

The decision by Finland and Sweden to join NATO’s military alliance would not boost European security, according to the Kremlin.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, told the media that they are not certain that Finland and Sweden joining NATO will reinforce or strengthen the continent’s security architecture.

“This is a serious issue, an issue that raises our concern, and we will follow very carefully what will be the consequences of this accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO in a practical sense in terms of our security, which must be ensured in an absolutely unconditional manner,” he said.

He did, however, point out that, unlike Ukraine, Russia has no territorial issues with Finland or Sweden.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed the decision was a “terrible blunder with far-reaching repercussions” earlier on Monday.

After Russia moved troops into Ukraine on February 24, Finland and Sweden are set to abandon decades of military non-alignment and join NATO as a defence against a feared Russian attack.

Moscow has threatened to take “reciprocal steps” against Finland, with whom it shares a 1,300-kilometer border.

On Saturday, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the country’s NATO membership application.

On the same day that Finland revealed its intention to join NATO, Sweden’s ruling party indicated its support for membership, clearing the door for a combined application.