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Special Ambassador On Instructions from Russia's Foreign Ministry Nikolai Korchunov, chairman of the Arctic Council's Senior Officials Committee, said the Russian Federation was concerned about NATO's involvement in non-Arctic states in the Alliance's military activities in the northern latitudes. He said there were risks of unintentional incidents which, in addition to security risks, could cause “serious damage to the fragile Arctic ecosystem.” According to the Russian side, they do not contribute to security in the region.
The diplomat stressed that the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO would have a negative impact on security and confidence in the Arctic. Thus, the expansion of the alliance at the expense of “traditionally non-block countries” will not contribute to security and mutual trust in the Arctic zone.
The British magazine The Spectator previously reported on the change in the foreign policy of Finland and Sweden. Countries reject neutrality in favor of NATO. So the states have decided not to look for a balance between Russia and the West.