Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would respond in kind if NATO set up infrastructure in Finland and Sweden after they join the military alliance.

"If military contingents and military infrastructure were deployed there, we would be obliged to respond symmetrically and raise the same threats for those territories where threats have arisen for us," Putin was quoted on Wednesday by Russian news agencies as saying.

The comment came a day after Turkey lifted its veto over Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO.

Putin previously said that Russia has "no problem" if Finland and Sweden join NATO.  "There is nothing that could bother us about Sweden and Finland joining NATO. If Finland and Sweden wish to, they can join. That's up to them. They can join whatever they want."

(With input from agencies)