Russia's foreign ministry has issued a warning against Finland joining NATO, after the president and the prime minister of Finland said in a joint statement that their country must apply for NATO membership without delay.

The ministry said the clear goal of NATO is to expand toward the borders of Russia and to create what it called another flank for a military threat to the country.

The ministry's statement argues the Finnish government must be aware of the responsibility and consequences of its move. It warns that Finland's accession to NATO will cause serious damage to its relations with Russia, as well as to the stability and security in the North European region.

The ministry indicates that Russia could take retaliatory steps, including those of a military nature, to stop the threats to its national security.