Md. Ashraful Islam: Russia has warned Finland of the consequences if it shows interest in applying for membership in the US-led military alliance Neto as soon as possible.
The news agency Reuters reported on Thursday that they had issued the warning.
On the same day, Ukraine claimed that it had damaged a Russian naval cargo ship in the Black Sea.
In recent days, there have been reports of fierce fighting between the two sides in the region.
Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odessa regional military administration in southern Ukraine, said their troops had inflicted heavy damage on the vessel Visevolod Boborov off Snake Island.
Snake Island is located near the maritime border of Ukraine with Romania; The strategic importance of this small island in the Black Sea is immense.
“The vessel Visevolod Boborve, which was supplying welfare to our navy, caught fire; This is one of the first ships to join the Russian fleet, “said Bratchuk.
Reuters could not verify Ukraine’s claim. The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Their Black Sea flagship Moscow sank last month.
Finland said on Thursday that it would immediately apply for NATO membership. Sweden is probably going to follow the same path. If the two countries join NATO, the US-led military alliance will expand; Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to prevent the expansion of this Western military alliance.
Finland was neutral even during the Cold War; Now that they have joined NATO, it will bring about a major change in Europe’s security structure.
Moscow has described Finland’s declaration as “hostile” and threatened retaliation. He warned that there would be “military-strategic” measures in the system, but did not elaborate.
“Helsinki (the capital of Finland) must be aware of the responsibility and consequences of such a move (joining NATO),” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Russian officials have previously said that the possible steps Moscow could take if Finland joins the NATO include the deployment of nuclear weapons in the Black Sea.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Finland’s interest in joining the alliance and promised them “smooth and speedy” membership.
The White House has also announced its support for Finland’s move.
“We will support Finland’s request on the net. I will give them to Sweden, “said Jane Sackie, White House press secretary.
