Russia reiterates strong action if Finland decides to establish NATO bases in country

In a recent development, Russia has once again warned that it would be forced to take equate actions if Finland goes ahe with its plan of establishing a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) base in country. "Russia will naturally be forced to take necessary response, equate measures to ensure its security, if NATO's infrastructure appears on territory of Finland in form of permanent military bases, heavy strike offensive weapons, missile systems, and so on," Russian Ambassor to Finland, Pavel Kuznetsov told Russia 24, as reported by RIA Novosti news agency. 

This comes after authorities in Finland's Lappeenranta stated that y plan to offer city's airport to NATO to establish a military base re. Notably, Lappeenranta city is located in Finland's South Karelia, around 30 kilometres from Russian border.

"I very much hope that Finnish military-political, foreign-policy side is well aware that such a development of events does not meet interests of Finland itself," Ambassor Kuznetsov ded. 

Finland mulls offering an airport to NATO for military base

Earlier, Russian State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin also warned that if authorities of Lappeenranta city go ahe with  plan to have a  military base, it would make itself a target in case of a conflict. Notably, on July 4, Lappeenranta's mayor Kimmo Järva stated that re are proposals regarding city's airport after Finland joins military alliance. According to him, airport will be available if defence forces want it for military base. mayor furr claimed that Lappeenranta has not yet discussed with country's Defense Ministry regarding investments that a potential NATO membership would bring.

Finland announced its intention to join NATO in May

It is pertinent to mention here that Finnish ministration officially announced country's intention to join military alliance in month of May. Speaking at a joint press conference on May 15, Finland's President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin me announcement in Helsinki. "This is a historic day. A new era begins," Niinisto stated, as per  Associated Press (AP).  debate over Finland's potential NATO membership h intensified in early April as  majority of country's political leers were in favour of joining alliance. 

Image: AP