Finland's accession to NATO to pose threat to Russia - Peskov

MOSCOW. May 12 (Interfax) - Finland's accession to NATO will pose a threat to Russia, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"Of course, it will," Peskov told reporters in response to the relevant question.

"Another enlargement of NATO does not make our continent more stable and secure," he said.

Russia regrets that Finland has joined the unfriendly steps of the European Union, Peskov said.

"As you know, Finland has joined the unfriendly steps undertaken by the European Union in regard to our country. We cannot help but regret that and view it as a reason for our tit-for-tat response," Peskov said at a press briefing.

Journalists asked Peskov why Finland had decided to join NATO.

"You should ask the Finnish authorities that have made this decision," Peskov said.

According to Peskov, Russia will make a special analysis upon Finland's accession to NATO to elaborate measures for the provision of national security.

"As you remember, there is an order from the president, the supreme commander-in-chief that a list of measures be composed to strengthen our western flanks in connection with the strengthening of the eastern flank of NATO. NATO has been enlarging towards us. So, clearly, all of that will be elements of a special analysis and the elaboration of measures necessary for maintaining a balance and providing our security," Peskov told reporters in response to a question on how Russia could respond to Finland's accession to NATO.

"Everything will depend on the manifestation of the further [NATO] enlargement process, how far the military infrastructure will grow towards our borders," Peskov said.

Finland's leaders announced earlier on Thursday their intention for the country to join NATO "without delay".