Russia warns Sweden, Finland Against joining NATO

The Kremlin on Monday warned Finland and Sweden against joining NATO, arguing that the possible accession of the countries to the military alliance would not bring stability to Europe.

“We have repeatedly said that the alliance remains a tool geared towards confrontation and its further expansion will not bring stability to the European continent,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a press briefing when asked about the possibility of the nations joining NATO.

His remarks came shortly after U.S. officials told The Times of London that Finland and Sweden could join the alliance as soon as the summer, with NATO membership for both countries being “a topic of conversation and multiple sessions” last week during talks between NATO’s foreign ministers attended by Sweden and Finland.