Russia is such a powerful military and political power that these countries have no global strategic significance.

This is the initial reaction of official Moscow after Turkey agreed to allow the Alliance to expand with two new member states, namely neutral Sweden and Finland.

According to Andrei Klimov, head of the commission of the Federation Council for the Protection of State Sovereignty, the participation of Russia's northern neighbors in the Alliance "will not improve" their relations with Moscow. At the same time, Sweden and Finland have had some benefits from their neutrality, and by strengthening the military infrastructure on their territory, "they will create problems," Klimov said.

Despite weeks of opposition, Turkey has finally decided to support Finland and Sweden's NATO membership. The turning point in Ankara's decision came after the three countries signed a memorandum to "ensure full support against security threats for all three countries" following a meeting of the NATO summit in Madrid.

Finland and Sweden signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding with Turkey on Tuesday, vowing to address Ankara 's security concerns over their stance on PKK and FETO terrorist groups, paving the way for their NATO membership.

"Finland and Sweden confirm that the PKK is a banned terrorist organization. Finland and Sweden undertake to prevent the activities of the PKK and all other terrorist organizations and their expansions, as well as the activities of individuals in related and inspired groups or networks associated with these terrorist organizations. Turkey, Finland and Sweden have agreed to step up co-operation to thwart the activities of these terrorist groups. Finland and Sweden reject the goals of these terrorist organizations, something that has not been the practice in the past. Finland and Sweden have also pledged to reject and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Finland and Sweden unequivocally condemn all terrorist organizations attacking Turkey and express their deepest solidarity with Turkey and the families of the victims.

With this decision, the Alliance is practically strengthened with two new members. Both Sweden and Finland have strong and well-trained armies, which will further put pressure on the already tense atmosphere between NATO and Russia.

Their membership will force Russia to deploy additional troops along the border with Finland, but will also fulfill fears of a growing NATO rapprochement with Russia.

Geostrategically, with the entry of Finland and Sweden, the Baltic Sea will practically turn into a "NATO lake" because almost the entire Baltic will be under the control of the North Atlantic Alliance. With this development, the Russian extraterritorial enclave of Kaliningrad will be further isolated, which will intensify the already growing tensions, but may force Russia to take military action in order to unblock Kaliningrad, where a strong navy and about 150 are stationed. thousands of soldiers.

All this increases the danger that the military conflict in Ukraine will spread to other countries.