Iran Press/ Europe: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said if the nations joined the US-led military group, Russia would be forced to strengthen its military presence with hypersonic missiles and nuclear weapons.
The warning comes hours after Russia suffered a blow in its offensive against Ukraine when its flagship missile cruiser in the Black Sea suffered serious damage in what Ukraine claims were a missile attack.
Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre border with Russia, and Sweden have announced they are considering joining NATO and will decide in the coming weeks.
It has led Medvedev to warn that there can be no more talk of a “nuclear-free” Baltic.
“There can be no more talk of any nuclear-free status for the Baltic — the balance must be restored,” he said.
“Until today, Russia has not taken such measures and was not going to.
“If our hand is forced, well, take note it wasn't us who proposed this.”
Medvedev said he hoped Finland and Sweden would see sense. He said they would have to live with nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles close to home if not.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the possible nuclear weapons deployed in the Baltic region but said that President Vladimir Putin has already ordered the military to prepare plans for boosting defenses along Russia’s western frontiers.
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