Putin plotting land grab on two NATO countries in huge World War 3 threat
Finland and Sweden angered Russia after they joined NATO. A British general warns Putin may now try and take revenge.
Vladimir Putin could try and make land grabs in Sweden and Finland after the two Scandinavian countries became the newest members of NATO, it has been warned.
Russia is currently in the midst of brutal fighting in Ukraine as Putin's invasion of the country moves well into its third year.
The attack on Ukraine has led to concern that Moscow could target other countries in Europe, with the Baltic states particularly vulnerable.
Major General Chip Chapman warns that Putin could attempt to seize islands off of Finland or launch an effort to take Gotland – a large Swedish island in the Baltic Sea.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said: "Since the invasion of Ukraine, Finland joined NATO as the 31st member and Sweden in March joined as the 32nd member.
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"This creates a strategic dilemma for Russia in that the Baltics are now a NATO lake, and nine countries surrounding the Baltics are also NATO members.
"The idea that Russia would do any overt action and any sort of invasion of Gotland is farcical. But what is possible is that they could take hybrid action in the region of Gotland and territorial encroachment into Finland and its islands."
Major-General Chapman believes Russia does not have the capability at this time to launch such an offensive.
On why Putin could attempt to take the Swedish island, he added: "Sweden has taken its rearmament seriously, they are going to 2.5 percent of GDP and would like to see other NATO members do that."
This comes after Sweden’s defense chief Micael Bydén warned on Thursday that Russia has "both eyes" on Gotland.
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He said: “I'm sure that Putin even has both eyes on Gotland. Putin's goal is to gain control of the Baltic Sea."
“If Russia takes control and seals off the Baltic Sea, it would have an enormous impact on our lives — in Sweden and all other countries bordering the Baltic Sea. We can’t allow that.
"The Baltic Sea must not become Putin's playground where he terrifies NATO members.”