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Russia's warnings to Finland and Sweden, 16 May 2022
Summary
A look back at the Russian threats and electricity cut-off that accompanied the Nordic debate over joining NATO.
What did Moscow say when two Nordic neighbours edged towards NATO? On 16 May 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his answer: Russia would react to what he called the "expansion of military infrastructure" by NATO in Sweden and Finland.
He said problems were being created for no reason at all, and added that Russia would react accordingly. The remarks were reported as a response to the growing prospect of both countries joining the alliance.
Threats in the days before
Putin's comments followed other signals from Moscow. On 12 May 2022, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs threatened retaliatory steps against Finland if it joined NATO, including steps of a "military-technical" nature.
On 13 May 2022, RAO Nordic, a subsidiary of the Russian energy company Inter RAO, announced that it would suspend electricity deliveries to Finland. The company said it had not been paid for earlier deliveries. The suspension came as Russia was threatening retaliation over Finland's possible NATO membership.
A wider sporting footnote
Sanctions pressure on Russia reached other areas too. On 12 May 2022, it was reported that tennis players from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete at the upcoming French Open as neutral athletes. Players who spoke in support of Putin would face sanctions.
Taken together, the reports from 12 to 16 May 2022 show Moscow pairing public warnings with an energy measure while the Nordic NATO question was under discussion.
