Amid NATO Bid, Envoy Declares Finland Prepared for Any Kind Of Russian Attack

On May 16th, Finnish Ambassador to Germany Anne Sipilainein claimed to the German newspaper Die Welt that Finland is “well prepared for all kinds of possible threats [from Russia] – not only military but also cyber hybrid attacks and information operations.” This statement comes a day after Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin declared the nation’s intent to join NATO via a joint press conference. This measure was later approved by Finland’s parliament and awaited the unanimous approval of NATO’s 30 member states. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its disapproval of Finland’s NATO bid, stating that “Helsinki must be aware of the responsibility and consequences of such a move” and that Russia would be taking retaliatory measures. 

Finnish Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy Kai Sauer discussed Finland’s reasoning for joining NATO in an interview with CBS. He said, “The support for NATO membership which in the past, for the Russian aggression in Ukraine, was 20%, has spiked, and we are now looking at popular support around 70%.” He claimed that Finland would bring a formidable military to the alliance. He stated, “We are actually bringing several qualities to the NATO table. We have a capable armed force, a defense force. We are a net provider of stability, not the consumer; I think this will continue after the NATO membership.”

Finland’s bid faces opposition from the NATO member state Turkey because of Finland’s alleged support for the PKK and YPG Kurdish militant groups. Turkey has been fighting these groups since 1984 and has alleged that they exist within Finnish borders. However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenburg asserted that Turkey does not intend “to block membership.” While siding with Turkey in its Kurdish conflict is not ideal, the other NATO member states must take the necessary steps to ensure that Finland is able to join the alliance. Maintaining sanctions against Russia and increasing the military preparedness of NATO countries are essential to deterring Russia from any aggressive actions beyond Ukraine. Displaying unity in opposition to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine isolates Putin’s government and reduces the legitimacy his regime receives from the Russian public and the rest of the world. Adding Finland to NATO further bolsters the alliance’s unity in opposition to Russian aggression and declares to Putin that Russia has no right to prevent sovereign nations from joining the alliance. Finland should be encouraged to further bolster itself militarily by purchasing weapons and building additional fortifications in case of a Russian invasion.

Finland was in personal union with the Russian Empire from 1809 until the Empire’s collapse and the succession of the Soviet Union in 1917. Finland fought the Soviet Union during the 1939 Winter War and the 1941-1944 Continuation War, which saw Finland lose 11% of its territory. Finland was forced into a neutral position during the Cold War, where it avoided joining NATO or the Warsaw Pact but was still subject to intimidation from the Soviet Union. The fall of the Soviet Union and the failure of the 1991 August Coup led Finland to recognize the independence of the Baltic states. Finland gained a closer relationship with the rest of Europe by joining the EU in 1991 and has recently taken steps to forge military connections by purchasing 64 F-35 jets from the U.S. in February and by placing orders alongside Sweden for additional anti-tank weapons and portable firearms.

The Kremlin’s Press Service asserted that Finland’s decision to join NATO and forge military connections with the U.S. and EU “Would be an error since there are no threats to Finland’s security.” Analysts could have said the same about Ukraine only a few months earlier, showcasing the necessity for Finland to ensure its military is capable of withholding a Russian invasion. Joining NATO unites its defense with the rest of Europe, providing a uniform front against Russian aggression and deterring Russia from expanding its Ukraine War to other nations.

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