“The conversation was clear.” Putin promised Niinista that Finland is not in danger

Finnish President Sauli Niiniste said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that the country would decide to seek NATO membership in the coming days.

“President Niiniste told President Putin how Russia’s demands to block countries from joining NATO at the end of 2021 have radically changed the Finnish security situation,” the statement said. expression After the talks, the office of the Finnish leader was made. The report also states that the Helsinki decision was affected by the military operation launched by Russia against Ukraine.

As Niiniste points out, even in his first meeting with Putin in 2012, he told him that every independent country is responsible for its own security. “This is exactly what is happening now. Finland, by joining NATO, strengthens its own security and takes responsibility. And in the future, Finland wants to correctly and professionally solve the practical problems that arise in connection with the neighborhood with Russia, ”the statement said.

It is emphasized that the conversation between Niiniste and Putin is “correct and understandable” as it is important to “prevent tension”. The phone call was initiated by Finland.

Leaders speak in Kremlin characterize as an open exchange of views. “Vladimir Putin stressed that it would be a mistake to abandon the traditional policy of military neutrality as there is no threat to Finland’s security,” the Russian presidential administration said in a statement.

A sharp change in Finland’s foreign policy could have a negative impact on the “mutually beneficial” relations between Moscow and Helsinki, which have been “built for years in the spirit of good neighborliness and partnership cooperation”.

The Kremlin added that during the meeting, Putin also shared his assessments of the situation that the Russia-Ukraine negotiation process was “almost suspended by Kyiv”. The Ukrainian side “shows no interest in a serious and constructive dialogue”.

“Don’t be guided by emotions”

Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko commented on the possible imminent expansion of the alliance, saying that Moscow “will not be guided by emotions.” “It is clear that this change cannot remain without a political response and a very thorough analysis of the consequences of the new power configuration that may occur as a result of the next expansion of the alliance.” stated Is it him?

According to Grushko, the alliance between Sweden and Finland is against the interests of these countries. “This is the new reality that we believe will not meet the interests of Sweden and Finland, the interests of maintaining European security and stability, or the interests of regional stability, but will only lead to the militarization of the North. “Militarily, it was the most peaceful region in Europe until recently, where the emphasis is on cooperation, not military competition,” he said.

The diplomat also stressed that the Russian Federation has no hostile intentions against these countries.

The actions of Stockholm and Helsinki also fit in with “the search for a notorious enemy expressed in the practical, political, military sense in the demonization of Russia”.

According to Grushko, the entry process of Sweden and Finland has already been completed, so the alliance will quickly accept them “with open arms”. “Everything has already been done there, so that this process is smooth, seamless, as I understand it, even by leaving the procedures for onboarding new members through the mandatory transition from the membership readiness plan.” noted Is it him?

The debate on the country’s NATO membership will be held in the Finnish Parliament on 16 May. According to the Expressen newspaper, Sweden will make an official application to join the alliance that day.

If countries join NATO, Russia’s direct border with the alliance will increase by more than 1,200 km. Finland and the Russian Federation have a common border of 1271 km, of which 1091 km is land. Sweden does not border the Russian Federation, except for direct access to the Kaliningrad region via the Baltic.

According to the rules, a NATO country must spend 2% of its GDP on defense. Finland already fulfills these conditions (defense budget – $5.9 billion), Sweden does not yet – only 1.3% ($7.9 billion), but military expenditures of both countries have increased sharply in recent years.