Finnish soldiers during military exercises as a NATO member in Rovajarvi in May 2023 (Photo: Reuters).
“NATO’s military exercises near the Russian border are provocative. They want to put military pressure on the Russian Federation through a show of strength,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized. in a statement to the state news agency RIA on April 24.
According to the spokeswoman, “exercises… increase the risk of worrying military incidents”.
Ms. Zakharova went on to say that representatives of the NATO military bloc are deliberately “causing hysteria around what they call the ‘threat’ posed by Russia, including by actively spreading false rumors.” insinuations of plans to attack member states of this organization, to justify their aggressive efforts.”
In addition, top Russian officials also said that military exercises in Finland are part of a combined combat strategy targeting Moscow.
“Helsinki is seeking to complete its official ‘residence’ in NATO as a ‘new recruit’ as soon as possible and become a full participant in this military alliance,” she emphasized. .
Ms. Zakharova added that Russia is closely observing the aggressive actions of the Western collective. “There is no doubt that we will take all necessary measures of a political, military and technical nature to counter threats aimed at the nation’s defense capabilities,” she said. speak.
Tags: Russia NATO exercises Finland provocative
