MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. NATO is dragging European countries into its orbit against their national interests, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a Rossiya-24 TV broadcast on Monday.

According to her, the formed principled position of the European countries was changed by the alliance. "But not at the expense of elements of normal international or bilateral relations, but by dragging it into the orbit of its interests. It all happened contrary to national interests and the will of the population of these countries," Zakharova said, answering a question about Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

She noted that the alliance intimidated and put pressure on other countries, as well as conducted joint exercises. "We reacted constantly, explained the danger of such a path, brought up historical and modern examples, showing what it could and will lead to," the diplomat added.

The debate over Finland's accession to NATO intensified in early April. The majority of its lawmakers spoke in favor of the country joining the alliance. Sweden is also considering such a possibility; the ruling Social Democratic Labor Party supported the kingdom's accession to NATO on May 15.