Russia taking ‘countermeasures’ in response to Finland and Sweden joining Nato, Turkey’s Erdogan to speak to Helsinki
- Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday that Moscow would create new military bases in western Russia in response to the expansion of Nato
- Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will speak to Finland on Saturday, while maintaining his opposition to Sweden and Finland’s Nato membership
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday that moves by Finland and Sweden to join Nato were part of an increase in military threats near Russia’s western borders, and it was taking “adequate countermeasures”.
In a speech, Shoigu also said the United States had stepped up strategic bomber flights in recent years, sent warships to the Baltic Sea and intensified training exercises in the region with its Nato partners.
He said Russia would respond by forming 12 units and divisions in its western military district, and that it was working to improve the combat strength of its troops.
“Tension continues to grow in the zone of responsibility of the Western Military District. We are taking adequate countermeasures,” Shoigu said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to pro-Western Ukraine on February 24, sending shock waves across the world.
Moscow’s military campaign shook Sweden and Finland that – after decades of military non-alignment – decided to seek Nato membership despite warnings from the Kremlin.