Many Finnish officers support NATO membership, according to the MTV news portal. This was revealed by the results of a survey conducted by him together with the Finnish "Union of Officers". The article provides specific figures, an explanation of such a position of the military and a comment by the chairman of the Union of Officers.
"Finland's membership in NATO would be in Russia's interests"
Approximately 65% of officers support joining the military alliance. Four years ago, support was 61%.
MTV Uutiset expert on international politics Risto Penttila believes that Finland has no other worthy military partners.
"If we look at the situation from the perspective of security policy, what remains for Finland? Independently, the military budget is unlikely to be greatly increased, the military alliance with Sweden does not seem promising, Europe does not look very strong either. This logic leads in the direction of NATO," Penttila said in the morning program.
The chairman of the Finnish "Union of Officers" (Upseeriliitto), Lieutenant Colonel Ville Viita, sees no threats in joining NATO.
"The military looks at this issue from a practical position. If the situation has changed, then why not get decent guarantees?"
According to Penttil, it is necessary to proceed from the fact that Russia can react to Finland's accession to NATO.
"Political, even trade and political disagreements may begin. But Finland's accession to NATO would be in Russia's interests, as Finland would strive for the best possible cooperation with Russia. Finland could calm down NATO and would not take such an aggressive defensive position."
Mikko Kormilainen
