Amid Russia’s warning, US is ready to provide military support to Sweden and Finland

WASHINGTON – The United States (US) stands ready, if needed, to provide Sweden and Finland with military support as these countries await NATO’s response to their membership applications.

The statement was made by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

On Sunday, Finland and Sweden officially announced their intention to join NATO, despite many warnings from Russia.

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Moscow, which views NATO’s expansion as a direct threat to its own security, has previously vowed to take adequate action in response.

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In an interview with the BBC recorded on Friday and broadcast on Sunday, Kirby said Russia’s warnings were “clearly worrying.”

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“But it’s not up to Russia to decide whether Finland and Sweden become NATO allies, it’s up to the Finnish people and the Swedish people,” the US military spokesman said.