Russia has warned Finland and Sweden against joining Nato, arguing the
move would not bring stability to Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "the alliance remains
a tool geared towards confrontation"

US officials expect the Nordic neighbours to bid for membership of the
alliance, potentially as early as June.

Washington is believed to support the move which would see the Western
alliance grow to 32 members. US State Department officials said last week
that discussions had taken place between Nato leaders and foreign
ministers from Helsinki and Stockholm.

Before it launched its invasion, Russia demanded that the alliance agree
to halt any future enlargement, but the war has led to the deployment of
more Nato troops on its eastern flank and a rise in public support for
Swedish and Finnish membership.

Finnish MPs are expected to receive a security report from intelligence
officials this week, and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she expects her
government "will end the discussion before midsummer" on whether to make a
membership application.

Finland shares a 1,340km (830 miles) long border with Russia and has been
rattled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But Moscow has been clear that it opposes any potential enlargement of the
alliance. Mr Peskov warned the bloc "is not that kind of alliance which
ensures peace and stability, and its further expansion will not bring
additional security to the European continent".

Last week Mr Peskov said that Russia would have to "rebalance the
situation" with its own measures were Sweden and Finland to join Nato.

And in February Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman,
warned of "military and political consequences" if the countries joined
the bloc.

Despite the threats, both countries have pushed ahead with their bids and
stepped up defence spending.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61066503

On Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:30:02 +0100, slider <slider@anashram.com>
wrote:

>Russia has warned Finland and Sweden against joining Nato, arguing the
>move would not bring stability to Europe.
>
>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "the alliance remains
>a tool geared towards confrontation"
>
>US officials expect the Nordic neighbours to bid for membership of the
>alliance, potentially as early as June.
>
>Washington is believed to support the move which would see the Western
>alliance grow to 32 members. US State Department officials said last week
>that discussions had taken place between Nato leaders and foreign
>ministers from Helsinki and Stockholm.
>
>Before it launched its invasion, Russia demanded that the alliance agree
>to halt any future enlargement, but the war has led to the deployment of
>more Nato troops on its eastern flank and a rise in public support for
>Swedish and Finnish membership.
>
>Finnish MPs are expected to receive a security report from intelligence
>officials this week, and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she expects her
>government "will end the discussion before midsummer" on whether to make a
>membership application.
>
>Finland shares a 1,340km (830 miles) long border with Russia and has been
>rattled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
>
>But Moscow has been clear that it opposes any potential enlargement of the
>alliance. Mr Peskov warned the bloc "is not that kind of alliance which
>ensures peace and stability, and its further expansion will not bring
>additional security to the European continent".
>
>Last week Mr Peskov said that Russia would have to "rebalance the
>situation" with its own measures were Sweden and Finland to join Nato.
>
>And in February Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman,
>warned of "military and political consequences" if the countries joined
>the bloc.
>
>Despite the threats, both countries have pushed ahead with their bids and
>stepped up defence spending.
>
>https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61066503

Putler is a dunce. He thought he had Europe and therefore NATO on the
hook with Russia's fossil fuels. He was wrong.

Now, he has fucked up his 4 day war and possibly will lose it against
the Ukrainians. And he has united Europe against Russia like never
before. And, he has fomented an increase in NATO members - Finland
and Sweden.

What's he going to do now? His strategic vision and 4D Chessmanship
has proven illusory. He has been exposed as a gigantic conman who
conned O'Bama big time but couldn't pull it off against good old Joe
and his mate Boris and the rest of the gang.