The Kremlin indirectly rules out the use of nuclear weapons in the event of NATO expansion to include Finland and Sweden. The spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitri Peskov, denied on the British broadcaster Sky News that there would be an “existential threat” to Russia. At the same time, he emphasizes that in such a case of enlargement, Russia must “rebalance” the situation and protect its western flank more strongly.
Finland and Sweden are traditionally neutral states. Because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, however, approval for joining NATO is increasing in both countries.
The Kremlin spokesman says drastic economic sanctions would not be seen as an existential threat either. Russia has been used to sanctions for years. “We have started to prepare.” Peskov concedes a “tight squeeze” for the Russian economy. “But the economy is still on its feet.” Russia is now even trying to take advantage of the situation.