Finland strengthens ties with Washington, Putin makes threats
Finland signed an agreement in Washington on Monday granting the US military the right to use Finnish military bases. After joining Nato in April, this is a further departure from the country's long-standing policy of neutrality. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said the move would lead to "problems" and that Russia would now establish a "Leningrad Military District" and station troops on the Finnish border. How should Finland react?
No need to be on edge
Finland should keep its cool in the face of Moscow's threats, advises Etelä-Saimaa:
“Mental resilience in particular must be strengthened. We will continue to hear such statements. There is no point in panicking every time Putin puffs himself up. With no end to the war in Ukraine in sight, Putin must speak to his people, whose willingness to wage war is beginning to flag. There are signs of this. The wives and mothers of soldiers at the front are beginning to speak out. Similarly, in Finland we must not forget that our defence capabilities are better now than ever before.”
Finland's new self-confidence
For the Tages-Anzeiger the Finnish foreign minister's remark that Russia is "fascist and imperialist" is proof that the Nato frontline state has shaken off its fears of Russia:
“Finland has trembled before Russia for decades, ever since the end of the Second World War and, as a non-aligned state, has always been at pains to achieve diplomatic balance. The 1344-kilometre border has always been like a chronically inflamed nerve in politics, discussions and society: just don't touch it. Elina Valtonen's choice of harsh words shows what has changed since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and even more so since joining Nato. We are a frontline state against a hostile regime. We always have been. But now we dare to say it openly.”
Russia already at the limit
Yet another confrontation would be a disaster for the Russians, investment banker Sergey Fursa writes on his Facebook page:
“Russia promises problems for Finland. In the meantime, however, it is seeking ammunition in North Korea and waiting for egg deliveries from Iran and Turkey, which are being announced on television as salvation for the country. The truth is that Russia is already running at full tilt in its confrontation with the West. ... So it's very convenient that Putin is promising Finland problems. It will help the collective West to make decisions and raise the stakes in this game of attrition. The West can afford it. Russia cannot.”