Russia sees Finland’s border drills as part of NATO hybrid warfare

Russia views military exercises conducted by Finland near its borders as part of a hybrid war initiated by NATO, Alexander Grushko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia has said.

"This [the exercises] is part of the general programme of Finland's integration into NATO, its incorporation into the military organisation and at the same time a very clear attempt on the part of NATO to project force on the Russian Federation. Such exercises are an element of the hybrid war that is unleashed against us," he said, Caliber.Az informs via Russian media.

Russia is taking all measures for defence capability, including in the context of NATO exercises, Grushko said.

"We are taking all the necessary military-technical measures needed to ensure the defence capability of the Russian Federation, and will do so from now on," the deputy minister said, commenting on the relevant exercises.