Finnish experts see Russia as a 'real threat' to their country
Russia may pose a threat to Finland in the political, economic and military spheres, as the last report of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) reads.
“The Finnish authorities should realize that Russia may use its economic ties to create a conflict. Moscow’s policy towards Helsinki may be very aggressive and most issues may be politicized and used to increase tensions,” Yle reports.
As a result, experts call on Finland to reconsider its diplomatic relations with Moscow and strengthen cooperation with the West.
Analysts called the construction of the nuclear power plant in Pyhäjoki in Western Finland a “provocative action” by Russia. The Rosatom Corporation played a key role in the implementation of this project.
Data collected by the Finnish Security Services were also provided, and according to that information, the highest level of activity by Russian intelligence agents was recorded last year in the economic and political spheres.
As it was reported earlier, Finnish authorities did not actively cooperate with other countries regarding defense issues, as they did not want to ‘tease’ Russia. However, several months ago when Finland discussed the involvement in international strategic exercises, the situation changed. Several days ago, the Ministry of Defense of Finland reported that they had begun negotiations with the U.S.A. on military cooperation.