Russian Foreign Ministry threatens Finland with "military and technical measures" if US deploys its bases there

This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, according to Russian media.   

This is how she responded to the agreement between Helsinki and Washington on the deployment of American military equipment in Finland. 

"We confirm that the Russian Federation will be forced to take retaliatory measures, both military and technical, to eliminate the threats to our national security arising from this," Zakharova said.

She added that specific steps will depend on the deployment of NATO military infrastructure and strike weapons systems in Finland. Zakharova also warned that with the deployment of US military bases, Finland is allegedly losing its sovereignty. 

"Both Finland and NATO should realize that the pumping of troops into northern Europe only leads to an increase in military and political tension in this region," Zakharova said. 

• On May 2, Washington and Helsinki agreed to deploy US military bases in Finland and conduct joint exercises.