Finnish, Swedish security services warn of Russian meddling over expected NATO bids

Hans Sverre Sjovold, head of the Norwegian Police Security Service, Antti Pelttari, director of Finnish Security Intelligence (SUPO) and Charlotte von Essen, head of the Swedish Security Service attend a joint news conference in Helsinki, Finland, April 27, 2022. REUTERS/Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland and Sweden must prepare for increased Russian spy operations, cyber attacks and attempts to influence lawmakers as they consider joining NATO after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the Nordic nations' intelligence chiefs said on Wednesday.

Russia's invasion, which it calls a "special operation", has forced Sweden and Finland to reassess their longstanding military neutrality, and they are expected to announce in May whether they will join the U.S.-led NATO alliance.