The expansion of NATO's military infrastructure in the territories of the member states (Sweden and Finland) will provoke a response from russia.
This was stated by russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of CSTO heads of state.
“As for enlargement (NATO), in particular, at the expense of new members of the alliance - Finland, Sweden. In Russia, I would like to inform you that, there are no problems with these countries” - he declared.
However, Putin added that the expansion of military infrastructure in this area will provoke a reaction from russia in response.
“And we will look at what it will be based on, the threats they will pose to us” - Putin said. The President of the russian Federation noted that NATO enlargement is a problem “which is created absolutely artificially because it is done in favor of the United States” and NATO is used as a tool of foreign policy of one country in fact.
“All this exacerbates the already difficult international security situation” - Putin said.
“In general, the problem is created out of thin air, but we will respond accordingly," said the Russian president.
As stated earlier, on 12 May, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin officially announced the country's intention to apply for NATO membership as soon as possible.
On 14 May, Niinisto had a telephone conversation with Putin and told him that Finland would apply for NATO membership in the coming days.
The media reported that the ruling Social Democratic Party of Sweden is ready to abandon its course of neutrality and will soon announce its support for NATO membership.
By the way, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the United States will provide military support to Sweden and Finland if they are attacked before joining NATO.