Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his Finnish counterpart that NATO membership and Finland's abandonment of neutral status would be a "mistake".

According to the BBC, the Telegraph reports, he told Sauli Niinisto that there was no threat to Finland's security.

The discussion came during a phone call made by the Finnish president, ahead of an official request which Finland is expected to announce very soon.

Sweden has also indicated its intention to join the Western alliance, following the Russian occupation of Ukraine.

Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia.

So far, it has stayed out of NATO to avoid antagonizing its eastern neighbor.

Putin did not make a specific threat of retaliation over Finland's move, but the Russian foreign ministry has indicated there will be retaliation.

Russia's decision to suspend electricity supplies to Finland is being seen as an early sign.

/ Telegraphy /