Russian FM: Swedish, Finnish membership in NATO to produce most undesirable results

"Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO will worsen the military situation and produce the most undesirable results," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksander Grushko said on April 14, Report says with reference to TASS.

In his words, the neutral status of Sweden and Finland did not prevent them from approaching the European Union and then joining it.

"The current situation must be preserved in terms of the fundamental interests of the peoples of Northern Europe. This will seriously worsen the military situation and lead to the most undesirable consequences that must be avoided.”

The deputy minister said that Russia supports diplomatic relations with Sweden and Finland: “Diplomatic contacts are always supported. Embassies operate for this purpose. However, Sweden and Finland have joined the sanctions, are participating in an anti-Russian campaign and are orienting to the West. This is the reality of today."

Grushko stressed that if Sweden and Finland join NATO, Russia will have to take a number of measures to ensure security and defense: "The accession of these countries to NATO means a radical change in the military-political situation."