Putin backs down over Nato expansion as Ukrainian troops reach his border

VLADIMIR Putin suffered a double blow yesterday as Sweden confirmed it will follow Finland in applying to join Nato, while Ukrainian troops pushed Russian forces back to the border.

- Michael Knowles and Mark Reynolds

The Russian president - who has repeatedly insisted that Nato expansion was a key reason for his onslaught conceded Stockholm and Helsinki joining the military alliance will not pose an "immediate threat”.

He said that "Russia has no problem with these states - none” in joining Nato.

But the despot threatened to respond if Nato bases or weapons systems are established in either nation.

Sweden's prime minister Magdalena Andersson yesterday confirmed her country will join Finland in a “historic change in our country's security policy”.

The UK has signed security deals to protect both countries and British troops would be sent to defend them from Russian forces.

Ms Andersson said Sweden would refuse to allow nuclear weapons or Nato bases on its soil, which are similar conditions to neighbouring Scandinavian nations Norway and Denmark. She added: “We will inform Nato that we want to become a member of the alliance.

“Sweden needs formal security guarantees that come with membership in Nato.”

Putin responded by saying: "There is no immediate threat to Russia from an expansion [of Nato) to include these countries.