Russia warns Sweden, Finland against NATO membership

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told reporters on April 11th that <x0-secondalance remains a confrontation-oriented tool”.

This statement comes after US defence officials have said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been “the major strategic error of”, which is expected to affect the expansion of NATO.

US officials expect Nordic neighbours to seek membership in the alliance, potentially by June of this year.

Washington is believed to support this step, which would affect the Western alliance's growth in 32 member states.

US State Department officials have said last week there are discussions between NATO leaders and foreign ministers from Helsinki and Stockholm.

Before the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has demanded that NATO cease to expand, but the war has led more coalition troops to engage in the eastern wing.

Public support for the membership of Sweden and Finland has been increased in the institution.

Finland shares a 1,340km-long border with Russia.

Peskov has said NATO “is not the kind of alliance that provides peace and stability, and its further expansion will not bring additional security to European quantum”.

He has said last week that Russia should re-balancing the situation” through its measures if Sweden and Finland join NATO.

On February 24th, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered what he considers a special military “ ” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The Kremlin's action has stirred anger and has been condemned in many parts of the world.