Reports are surfacing of military equipment of the United States and other NATO countries on the Russia-Finland border.
U.S. and NATO armored vehicles were spotted on the border, along with Finnish tanks and armored personnel vehicles, according to a translation of a Shraibikus News report.
There have been reports of military exercises in Finland, but Russian intelligence reportedly suspects the military buildup will remain until Finland joins NATO. The report also indicates Finnish authorities are anticipating Finland joining NATO within a few months.
Russian analysts consider the military presence on the Russia-Finland border to be a threat, particularly as NATO allies are supplying lethal aid to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told RIANovosti that Russia is watching the situation and will consider a potential response.
"It is clear that from the point of view of security we will not remain indifferent," Grushko said. "Our military will consider all the necessary measures that may be required to ensure the legitimate interests of defense."
While the forces conducting the exercises are likely doing so to defend Finland against an invasion by Russia, Grushko added it represents a dangerous escalation that makes neither Finland nor NATO more safe.
"This will not strengthen the security of either Finland or NATO itself," Grushko told RIA Novosti.
Eric Mack ✉
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
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