Russian reactions to NATO and the growth of the alliance, as well as opposition to Russia’s aggressive tactics, are increasingly blind as the Kremlin lashes out via its international propaganda channels.

Russia to boost military force if Sweden allies with NATO – Senator

“We are talking not only about some technical measures, we are talking numbers as well. Russia will increase the strength of its military forces on the northern and northwestern borders if Sweden becomes a NATO member, this also includes the North Sea Fleet,” RIA Novosti quoted Senator Evgeny Serebrennikov as saying on Friday.

NATO greedy for geopolitical space, wants to encircle those who disagree – Lavrov

“This is a mean-spirited attempt to turn the issue on its ears,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sweden’s Dagens Nyheter daily.

“If Sweden decides to join NATO, we (Russians) won’t think that it intends to attack Russia,” Lavrov said.

Finland’s NATO membership could put relations with Russia at risk – Russian govt report

“Political and economic reactions may be strong, even harsh, notably during the transition phase. Even while stopping short of the use of force, specific counter-measures would be difficult to predict,” a report prepared for Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila’s government states.