Sweden and Finland Close Military Ranks Due to Russia

Sweden and Finland are concerned about increased Russian military activity in the Baltic Sea and Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Neither is a member of NATO, reports the Patria News Agency. 

Swedish Minister of Defence Peter Hultqvist stated that closer future cooperation would make a potential aggressor think twice.

Commenting on the possibility that the move might anger Russia, he said, "In that case, that is their problem. Our plan is entirely defensive. We cannot act depending on what other countries might feel or think.".

In a joint report, the two Nordic countries proposed a Swedish-Finnish naval task force that would become operational by 2023. Other plans include increased access to naval bases in both countries and joint military exercises.