NaijNaira
Russia has threatened to take “counter-measures” in response to Finland’s accession to the NATO military alliance.
The Kremlin has criticized NATO’s expansion and sees it as a threat to Russia’s national interests and security.
With a shared border of 1,300 km (800 miles), Russia has already announced plans to increase military divisions stationed in its west and northwest.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has warned that Finland’s accession could escalate the conflict in Ukraine, but it would not affect Russia’s ongoing military operation there.
In response, Russia is taking practical steps to boost the nuclear strike potential of its ally Belarus, including sending Iskander rocket systems capable of carrying conventional or nuclear missiles.
President Vladimir Putin has also announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
The situation remains tense as Russia closely monitors any NATO military deployments in Finland.
