Russia to Take Countermeasures if Sweden Joins NATO, Says Dmitry Peskov

Russia will take countermeasures if Sweden joins NATO. This was reported by TASS, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Speaking about the consequences of Sweden's membership in the alliance for Russia's security, the Kremlin spokesperson stated that they would be "definitely negative." Peskov disclosed that in response, Russia would undertake "measures similar to those planned in the context of Finland's already completed accession."

Finland became a NATO member on April 4 of this year, but Turkey has yet to approve Sweden's application. Just yesterday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO.

Peskov also addressed Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda's proposal to establish permanent NATO military bases near the Russian borders. According to the Kremlin spokesperson, "this has been one of the reasons that led to the current situation."