Finland might join NATO due to the threats of Russian President Vladimir Putin if they ever join the western military alliance.
The Nordic nation lies on the border of Russia, which the Kremlin does not want to be infringed on by any foreign military power. NATO has been inching in the eastern territories that used to be part of the bloc, which Moscow saw as aggressive.
Finland, Sweden To Apply for NATO Membership
The former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said that Finland might join NATO a month from now, which the Kremlin warned about, and would need to rethink its security, reported the Express UK.
Stubb was the PM from 2014 to 2015; last Friday, he said that Putin's aggression would be the cause for considering joining, along with Sweden. Russia shares a border with the Nordic nation, but the special operation in Donbas last February 24 is now changing.
The Finnish government's view on Moscow's aggressiveness towards Ukraine became apparent last month when it suspended passenger rail services between Helsinki and St Petersburg.
Since it first opened in 2010, the cross-border Allegro train, operated jointly by Finland and Russia's national railways had been a symbol of cooperation between the two nations, cited Eaglesvine.
This interruption, which entirely shut down the train link between Russia and the European Union, signaled a significant shift in a relationship that no longer exists.
Pekka Haavisto, Finland's foreign minister, cautioned that the war in Ukraine had changed security issues. The NATO matter is sensitive, especially with Vladimir Putin's cautionary note.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said they share information on the war with Finland and Sweden and regularly attend NATO meetings. He touted the unity of the western military alliance. One question is whether Finland or Sweden could be crucial members of NATO.
Convincing Other Nordic Nations To Join
Stoltenberg called them trusted nations and a guarantee of security for all allies only. The alliance, especially the US, wants Finland to join to further its interests in isolating Russia.
Last Friday, he spoke on CNBC and said that the Finns would be welcome and all western allies would agree; they would be fast-tracked. But, the Russian Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov called such a move unworthy.
Russia's rationale for the so-called "special operation" that has killed many people and displaced millions is the likelihood of Kyiv rejoining NATO.
Dzhabarov mentioned early thus that if Finland joins, it will not be safe to drop its neutrality. He added the Finnish PM might regret such a decision, noted Newsweek.
He added that Moscow's close economic and trade ties would be wasted listening to the West; and tragic for its people.
Finnish intelligence agency Supo remarked that the Kremlin might exploit false abuse charges against native Russians living in Finland to legitimize hostilities.
It also warned that the nation might face a spike in Russian cyber-attacks and blackmail attempts to persuade politicians who want to join NATO.
Russia emphasized that it does not see this as an existential danger that might force it to use nuclear weapons. Helsinki was given a notice by Vladimir Putin of what could happen; NATO involved recklessly to bolster expansion against Moscow.
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