Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning of potential “problems” in relations with neighboring Finland after the country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) earlier this year. In an interview with Russian state broadcaster Russia 1, Putin expressed concerns about the change in the security landscape in northern Europe following Finland’s NATO membership, adding approximately 1,300 kilometers (830 miles) to the alliance’s frontier with Russia.
Putin criticized the Western move, stating, “They (the West) took Finland and dragged it into NATO! Why, did we have any disputes with Finland? All disputes, including those of a territorial nature in the middle of the 20th Century, have all been resolved long ago.” He further indicated that the decision to join NATO would result in the creation of the Leningrad military district in Finland, concentrating military units in the region.
The Russian leader dismissed remarks from US President Joe Biden, who had suggested that Putin might continue taking further actions, potentially involving NATO allies. Putin labeled Biden’s comments as “complete nonsense” and emphasized Russia’s lack of interest or reason to engage in conflict with NATO countries.
Addressing the ongoing tensions with Ukraine, Putin asserted that Russia has no geopolitical, economic, political, or military interest in fighting with NATO countries and emphasized the desire to develop positive relations.
In a related development, Finland announced the closure of its eastern border with Russia on December 14, 2023, following a spike in migrant crossings that Helsinki has labeled a Russian hybrid attack. The closure, initially reopened but now set until January 14, 2024, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Finland’s NATO membership earlier this year marked a significant shift in its security posture, prompting the decision to double the security alliance’s direct frontier with Russia. The move came amidst Putin’s longstanding opposition to NATO expansion, and the border closure reflects the broader challenges and tensions in the region.
