Russia vows to respond to NATO activities in the Baltics

(Baonghean.vn) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini at a press conference on June 6 that the Kremlin would take countermeasures to NATO's increasing activities in the Baltic region.

Military parade marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany at Red Square in Moscow, Russia on May 9.

Mr. Lavrov gave his answer in the context of NATO holding its annual exercise - Baltops 16 - for the first time on Finnish soil.

"We do not hide our irritation at NATO's military actions near Russia's borders, aimed at drawing more countries into the bloc's military activities," Lavrov told reporters.

"We will take actions to ensure Russia's security and sovereignty in the face of current risks. I believe that our Finnish friends and neighboring countries also understand this."

Mr. Lavrov also affirmed that he did not see any threats in the Baltic region that required the presence of military operations in this area.

Earlier, Mr. Soini said at a press conference that the military exercises taking place on June 6 helped strengthen Finland's military capabilities and were "not aimed against any country".

Finland, which is not a NATO member, is seriously facing "security challenges" that require close cooperation with NATO and increased cooperation with neighbouring Sweden, Mr Soini said.

"This is an issue that needs to be discussed publicly. Finland has the right to make its own decisions, and of course our goal right now is national security and not for any other purpose," Soini said.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)