“We believe that the best thing for Sweden and the security of the Swedish people is joining NATO,” RIA Novosti quotes her.
Earlier, the ruling Social Democratic Workers' Party of Sweden officially decided to apply for membership in the alliance.
Prior to this, the relevant decision was reported by the authorities of Finland.
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Finland's refusal from the traditional policy of military neutrality would be erroneous, since there are no threats to the country's security.
Moscow also warned that if Finland joined NATO, Russia would be forced to take retaliatory steps, including those of a military-technical nature.