Russia has warned that the newest members of NATO could become targets in the event of a future war. Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, made the statement on Tuesday, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
Medvedev said that countries like Sweden and Finland, who recently joined the alliance, could face attacks if a war breaks out. He also suggested that nuclear weapons could be used in such a case. These remarks show rising tension between Russia and NATO as the military alliance expands.
Sweden and Finland Joined NATO After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Finland officially joined NATO in April 2023. Sweden became a full member in March 2024. Both countries had long histories of staying neutral in global conflicts. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed their positions.
Leaders in both countries said joining NATO was necessary for national safety. They believed Russia’s actions showed that being neutral no longer guaranteed peace.
Medvedev Says New NATO Members Are Now Targets
Dmitry Medvedev now holds the role of deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. He is known for using strong words against Western nations. This week, he said that all NATO members who joined the alliance since the 1990s should expect to be seen as enemies in any future war.
He also said that in a major conflict, Russia may use nuclear weapons. This would include strikes on new NATO countries like Finland and Sweden. While not an official statement from the Russian government, Medvedev’s words often reflect the views of high-level leaders in Moscow.
NATO Says It Is a Defensive Alliance
NATO has said many times that it does not seek conflict with Russia. The alliance’s goal is to defend its members, not to attack others. NATO welcomed both Sweden and Finland, saying their membership makes the alliance stronger.
Under NATO’s rules, if one member is attacked, all others must help defend it. This rule is known as Article 5 and is a key reason why countries want to join.
Russia Calls NATO Expansion a Threat
Russia has long opposed NATO’s growth toward its borders. President Vladimir Putin said the alliance’s move into Eastern Europe and the Baltic region is a major threat. Russia sees NATO troops near its borders as a danger to its national security.
When Finland joined NATO, Russia placed missiles and troops closer to the Finnish border. Similar steps were taken after Sweden joined. Russian leaders said these moves were necessary to protect their territory.
Sweden and Finland Stay Calm After Threats
So far, neither Sweden nor Finland has responded strongly to Medvedev’s warning. Both countries have said that being part of NATO increases their safety. They trust that other NATO members will support them if needed.
Officials in both nations continue to focus on defense cooperation and training with NATO partners. They say their main goal is peace and stability in the region.
Experts Say Russia Uses Fear as a Weapon
International experts believe Medvedev’s warning is meant to scare NATO members. Military analysts say Russia often uses threats to create fear and confusion. This strategy may be designed to stop NATO countries from taking bold steps, like giving more support to Ukraine.
At the same time, experts say the chance of Russia using nuclear weapons is still low. Doing so would bring major global consequences, including strong reactions from other nuclear powers.
History Shows Medvedev Often Uses Strong Language
This is not the first time Medvedev has made threats. In the past, he has spoken about the risk of World War III and said Western countries could be destroyed. He usually speaks in this way when Russia feels pressure from NATO or Western sanctions.
His words do not always lead to action. However, they show the serious state of relations between Russia and the West.
More Military Activities Expected on Both Sides
In the coming months, NATO will increase its training and military presence in Europe. Sweden and Finland will play active roles in these exercises. Russia is also expected to hold military drills near its western border.
These actions could make the situation more tense. Both sides are preparing for possible conflict, even as they say they want peace.
Global Leaders Call for Calm and Diplomacy
The United Nations and other world organizations have asked both sides to avoid threats and stay calm. They say that peaceful solutions are still possible. Talks and diplomacy are the best way to prevent a major war.
