Russian Foreign Minister Discusses Weapon Distribution and Reacts to NATO Enlistments
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Saturday that additional weapons would be deployed in Russian regions to counter perceived threats from Finland and Sweden following their accession into NATO. Lavrov made the statement at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, stating that Russia had made an organizational decision for its security in response to NATO’s expansion. He emphasized the deployment of weapons in these regions to match potential threats.
The approval of Sweden’s bid to join NATO by Hungary’s parliament on Monday marked a significant development, making Sweden the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance. The move also means that NATO members now encircle most of the strategically important Baltic Sea, which borders Russia, potentially enhancing the alliance’s deterrence against Moscow.
While Finland joined NATO in April of the previous year, Sweden’s approval was pending from Hungary, the only alliance member that had not given the green light. The tensions arose from Stockholm’s criticism of Budapest’s democracy.
Lavrov also commented on the prospect of military engagement with NATO, responding to statements made by prominent Western figures regarding Ukraine and troop deployment. He expressed concerns about the “party of war” not changing its course toward inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin suggested the possibility of NATO being in a “fight with Russia” if Ukraine falls, and French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Western troops being sent to Ukraine were met with backlash from other leaders.
The Kremlin warned that if NATO sends combat troops, a direct conflict with Russia would be inevitable, with Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioning that such a move could lead to a global nuclear conflict. Germany and Poland, both key European military players, affirmed they would not be sending troops to Ukraine. NATO’s head also clarified that the U.S.-led military alliance has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict with nuclear-armed Russia.
The idea of sending troops to Ukraine has been treated cautiously, given the potential for escalating the conflict and involving NATO in a wider war. Despite individual member countries having the option to contribute troops, the organization itself would only engage if all 31 members agree. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his reluctance to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, expressing concern about Germany becoming directly involved in the war. Scholz highlighted Germany’s significant military aid to Ukraine but stalled on supplying Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers and could be used against targets deep into Russian territory.
