Russia warns it could deploy nuclear forces in Europe if Finland and Sweden join NATO

Russia warned Thursday it could deploy nuclear forces in and around a Russian exclave in northern Europe and increase its military presence there if Finland and Sweden join the NATO alliance.

Finland and Sweden are considering joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and will make a decision in the coming weeks. Both countries have long traditions of military neutrality, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine has spurred public opinion and political consensus in both countries to seek membership in the US-led alliance.