The United States and its allies must take Russia's claims against NATO enlargement seriously.

APA reports quoting the Financial Times that the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency William Burns said this.

According to him, such statements by Russia are not an obstacle for Finland and Sweden to join the union.

"We must take seriously the issues raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The progress of Finland and Sweden in NATO membership will be an expansion of the Alliance," Burns said.

The head of the Central Intelligence Agency stressed that, ultimately, the decision on the accession of these countries to NATO remains in Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as in the Alliance.