Putin Warns of "Problems" with Finland After NATO Membership
Defense News -
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concerns about the
implications of Finland recent NATO membership, cautioning about
potential "problems" in the bilateral relationship. In an interview
published on Sunday, Putin announced Moscow response, revealing plans to
establish a new military district in north-west Russia.
Putin
highlighted that Finland decision to join NATO occurred amidst Moscow
Ukraine offensive and suggested that this move by the West had strained
relations. He stated, "They (the West) dragged Finland into NATO. Did we
have any disputes with them? All disputes, including territorial ones
in the mid-20th century, have long been solved." Despite previous
resolutions, Putin asserted that the new development would introduce
challenges, prompting Russia to create the Leningrad military district
and concentrate specific military units in the region.
The timing
of these statements coincided with Finland decision to close its border
with Russia again, accusing Moscow of orchestrating a migrant crisis on
the border. Moscow had previously issued warnings about potential
counter-measures in response to Helsinki NATO accession.
Addressing
the broader context, Putin refuted the notion of Russia being inclined
towards war with NATO countries. He responded to recent comments by US
leader Joe Biden, who suggested that Moscow "won"t stop" in Ukraine if
successful there. Putin dismissed such rhetoric as a justification for a
misguided policy on Russia, emphasizing that Moscow has no interest,
whether geopolitical, economic, or military, in engaging in conflict
with NATO countries.
Despite these assurances, the Kremlin
ongoing Ukraine campaign has heightened concerns about potential Russian
aggression in the eastern flank of NATO. The situation remains dynamic,
with geopolitical tensions impacting the relationship between Russia
and its neighbors, particularly in the aftermath of Finland NATO
alignment.