Nordic tensions on the rise amid Russian anger over NATO accessions

Finland PM urges EU to step up defence spending and coordination, as tensions rise with Russia following NATO accession.

Signs of tension with Russia are rising in the Nordic region following Sweden and Norway’s accession to NATO.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Wednesday warned that Moscow is gearing up for a “long conflict with the West” and Denmark revealed plans to boost defence spending, as Russia continued to condemn the expansion of the Western military alliance in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

In comments delivered to the European Parliament, Orpo called for increased spending and coordination on European defence.

“Russia is evidently preparing for a long conflict with the West and represents a permanent and essential military threat to Europe,” the Finnish leader declared.

“If we, as a united Europe, fail to respond sufficiently to this challenge, the coming years will be filled with danger and the looming threat of attack,” he said, before adding: “Russia is not invincible.”