May 20 (Reuters) – Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday that Finland’s and Sweden’s actions to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats near Russia’s western borders and that it was taking “adequate countermeasures”.
In a speech, Shoigu also said the United States has stepped up strategic bomber flights in recent years, sent warships to the Baltic Sea and stepped up 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 working to improve the fighting force of its troops.
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“Tensions continue to rise in the area of responsibility of the Western Military District. We are taking adequate countermeasures,” Shoigu said.
Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO’s Western Defense Alliance on Wednesday. Read more
President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership does not pose a threat to Russia, but warned that Moscow would respond if the alliance strengthens military infrastructure in both countries. Read more
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Reuters report; Edited by Kevin Liffey
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