The Kremlin expressed concern, on Friday, over NATO’s intention to create a military equivalent of the Schengen Zone in Europe, allowing its forces to move freely, which it views as escalating tensions against Russia.
NATO’s logistics chief, Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, shared with Reuters his desire for such a zone to avoid bureaucratic delays in troop movements, especially in a potential conflict with Russia.
Although NATO supports Ukraine against Russia, the alliance is not directly engaged in war with Moscow, a stance echoed by U.S. President Joe Biden and other Western leaders to avoid conflict given Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned of a response if this ‘military Schengen’ plan materializes, criticizing it as a reflection of Europe’s disregard for Moscow’s concerns and an effort to enhance its security at Russia’s cost.
“The alliance has always regarded our country as a so-called notional enemy. Now it openly considers our country to be an obvious adversary. This (statement) is nothing more than about fuelling tensions in Europe which has consequences,” Peskov told reporters.
Finland recently announced the closure of three of its four operational border crossings with Russia due to an uncontrollable influx of migrants.
The Finnish Border Guard stated that the “Vartius,” “Salla,” and “Kuusamo” crossings in the northeast of the country would be shut down from November 24 to December 23.
