May 16 (UPI) — France will defend Sweden and Finland, according to the Elysee, after Russia threatened the two Nordic nations for joining the NATO defensive military alliance.
"Whoever seeks to put European solidarity to the test by threatening or attacking their sovereignty, by whatever means," the Elysee said in a statement, adding that France "stands ready to increase its security and defense cooperation with both partners, including through high-level political consultations and enhanced military interactions."The remark was released on the same day that Sweden's government revealed its intention to apply for NATO membership, and one day after Finland did the same.
In a statement last week, Russia's foreign ministry warned that NATO expansion near its border would constitute a "military threat to our nation" and that it would be "forced to take retaliatory steps, both military-technical and otherwise."
Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov termed Sweden's decision "yet another catastrophic blunder with far-reaching ramifications" after it was revealed on Monday.
Putin, speaking at a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance of some post-Soviet Union nations in Moscow on Monday, said Russia has "no problems" with Finland and Sweden joining NATO, but "the expansion of military infrastructure to this territory will undoubtedly cause our response."
"We'll look at it based on the threats that will be created for us," he said. "Let us respond appropriately."
The two Nordic countries have applied for NATO membership in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has heightened regional military fears.
France said it "welcomes" Finland and Sweden's decision to join the alliance since they are "two very close European allies" that share and defend democratic, individual liberty, and the rule of law ideals.
"By joining NATO, Finland and Sweden will strengthen the security and stability of the Baltic Sea region, as well as that of Europe as a whole and the Euro-Atlantic area," the statement stated.
Since the war began, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia have all petitioned to join the European Union.
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