Putin issues threats to Finland following its Nato membership

For now, Russia will build up the Leningrad military district around the metropolis of St Petersburg and station certain military units there.

Apparently referring to Finland’s decision to join the Western military alliance Nato, Putin said: “Why did they need that?”

Finland decided to apply for Nato membership after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2022.

Finland’s neighbour Sweden has also applied but has not received the needed unanimous approval from the now 31 other Nato members to gain entry into the defence club, mainly because of opposition from Turkey.

The United States recently concluded an agreement with Sweden on the use of Swedish military facilities.