Moscow threatens to place nuclear weapons near Scandinavia in the event of NATO enlargement

Russia does not want an enlargement of NATO in Scandinavia, while the Finnish and Swedish populations are more and more favorable to this idea. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that if Finland or Sweden joined NATO, Russia would strengthen its military assets, particularly nuclear, in the Baltic Sea and near Scandinavia. they will have to be defended”, noted the current number two of the Security Council of Russia in a message on Telegram. “In this case, there can be no question of a non-nuclear Baltic”, he added , also referring to deployments of infantry and anti-aircraft systems in northwestern Russia and naval forces in the Gulf of Finland. (…) cannot wish for an increase in tensions at its border era and have Iskander (missiles), hypersonic (missiles) and ships with nuclear weapons next to their house”. People change their minds about NATOFinland, which has a long border and a complicated history with Russia and Sweden are considering joining NATO because of the Russian offensive against Ukraine. Helsinki thus declared on Wednesday, through its Prime Minister Sanna Marin, that a candidacy could be formalized “within a few weeks”. Sweden remains, to this day more, measured, without excluding this scenario. In the past, these Scandinavian nations were not in favor of entering the bosom of NATO, because they were anxious to keep their independence. “Everything changed when Russia invaded Ukraine,” regretted Sanna Marin. Polls even show real support from the population for this diplomatic change. In 2017, a poll by public radio and television Yle showed that only 21% of Finns supported joining NATO. As of March 11, they were 62%. A recent survey relayed by The Local in Sweden shows that 59% of the inhabitants are in favor of joining NATO if Finland precedes them. The next few weeks could therefore be crucial. Indeed, NATO is organizing a summit in Madrid on June 29 and 30. Finland should have applied, according to observers. It remains to be seen what Sweden’s position will be, especially after threats from Moscow.Anthony Audureau with AFP