The Kremlin said on Thursday that Finland’s move to join NATO was “definitely” a threat to Russia and that the expansion of the military bloc would not make Europe or the world more stable.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the steps taken by Finland to join NATO were a cause for regret and a reason to impose a symmetrical response.

Finland’s president and prime minister said earlier on Thursday their country must apply to join the NATO military alliance “without delay.”

Asked whether this presented a threat to Russia, Peskov said: “Definitely. NATO expansion does not make our continent more stable and secure.”

He said Finland had joined “unfriendly steps” against Russia.

Source: Agencies