BREAKING: These two European countries to join NATO; find out Russia's response

• What: Two European nations, Sweden and Finland on Monday announced that they will be joining the US-led alliance of countries, NATO.

• Russia's response: Russia, which is trying to create its domination in the region, responded stating that this is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences. "The general level of military tensions will increase," stated Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

• How: Finland announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application.With this development, both Finland and Sweden will be dropping off their decades of non-alignment policy.