Russia Threatens Retaliation as Finland Considers NATO Membership Moscow has announced that it will “respond accordingly” to Finland’s potential accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The announcement came after Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin jointly expressed their support for the country joining the military alliance. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Finland’s membership in NATO would “seriously damage Russia’s national security.” The statement further stated that Russia would “take necessary military-technical measures to ensure its security in the face of the changed conditions.” Specifically, Russia hinted that it could grant the United States access to military bases in its territory. This move would significantly increase the US military presence near Russia’s western border and could be seen as a direct threat to Russian security. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, has maintained a policy of military neutrality since the end of World War II. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a significant shift in public opinion in Finland, with a recent poll suggesting that 62% of Finns support joining NATO. NATO membership would provide Finland with guarantees of military support from other members of the alliance in the event of an attack. It would also increase the likelihood of joint military exercises and the deployment of NATO troops in Finland. Russia’s response to Finland’s potential NATO membership highlights the growing tensions between the two countries. The situation is further complicated by the war in Ukraine, which has already led to increased military activity in the Baltic Sea region. It remains to be seen how Russia will ultimately respond to Finland’s NATO aspirations. However, the Kremlin’s threat to give the United States access to bases near Russia’s border is a clear indication of the high stakes involved. The situation is likely to remain volatile as Finland continues to consider its options and Russia seeks to protect its strategic interests.Russia to Respond to Finland-US Military AgreementRussia to Respond to Finland-US Military Agreement Russia has threatened to respond to Finland’s decision to authorize the United States access to its military bases. Deputy Spokesman Andrei Nastasin stated that Russia would not tolerate the NATO military buildup on its border and would take necessary measures, including military-technical ones, to counter “aggressive decisions” by Finland and its NATO allies. The Finnish parliament recently approved a defense cooperation agreement with the US, allowing access to 15 Finnish military facilities. Finland joined NATO in 2023. Nastasin reiterated Russia’s stance that NATO’s expansion and military presence near its borders pose a threat to its security. He emphasized that Russia would respond accordingly to protect its interests. The development raises concerns about potential escalation of tensions between Russia and Finland, as well as the broader security implications for Europe.Russia has vowed to respond to Finland’s decision to join NATO by granting the United States access to military bases on its territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the move was a “hostile act” that would “have serious consequences for regional security.” “Russia will be forced to take countermeasures, including granting access to its military bases to the United States and its allies,” the statement said. The United States has not yet confirmed whether it will take up Russia’s offer. However, US officials have said that they are considering all options to strengthen their presence in the region. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO in May, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both countries are expected to be formally admitted to the alliance by the end of the year. Russia has strongly opposed Finland and Sweden’s bid to join NATO, saying that it would threaten its security. The Kremlin has also accused the United States of pushing Finland and Sweden into joining the alliance in order to encircle Russia. The United States has denied these accusations, saying that Finland and Sweden are free to make their own decisions about their security. The potential for a US military presence in Russia would be a major escalation of tensions between the two countries. Russia has already warned that it will deploy nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, if the US deploys intermediate-range missiles in Europe. The Kremlin has also said that it will consider withdrawing from the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the US and Russia, if the US deploys new intermediate-range missiles in Europe. The potential for a US military presence in Russia is likely to further strain relations between the two countries and increase the risk of a wider conflict in Europe.