Russia ambassador threatens these two European countries: 'Taking a step towards the abyss'

The Russian ambassador in Stockholm has issued a stark warning to Sweden and Finland over the countries possibly joining NATO.

Sweden and Finland 'will become a legitimate target'

Ambassador Viktor Tatarintsev posted a statement to the embassy’s website on Tuesday 28 March about the possibility of Sweden and Finland joining the alliance. In it, he wrote:

If it still seems to anyone that this will somehow improve Europe's security, rest assured that the new members of the hostile bloc will become a legitimate target for Russian retaliatory measures, including those of a military nature.

He said that the move won’t make Sweden safer, rather its 'taking a step towards the abyss'. He added:

After the accession of Finland and Sweden, the total length of the border between Russia and NATO will almost double.

Describing the decision 'hasty', he claimed the NATO command had 'decided to enter fully into the conflict', putting Sweden at risk. Tatarintsev concluded:

In this case, the Swedes will undoubtedly be drawn in and sent to their deaths for the interests of others.

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Sweden's response

In response, Stockholm said it had summoned the ambassador to Sweden on Wednesday 29 March with the country's Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom saying:

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will summon the Russian ambassador to make a clear statement against this blatant attempt at influence.

Billstrom added:

Sweden's security policy is determined by Sweden -- no one else.

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Sources used:

Euronews: 'Swedes will be 'sent to their deaths' if they join NATO, warns Moscow'

ABC News: 'Sweden summons Russia's ambassador over 'legitimate target' statement'

Moscow Times: 'Sweden Summons Russian Envoy After NATO Bid Warning'