Political scientist Lavikainen: Russia will do everything possible to prevent Finland's membership in NATO
Russia demands from NATO not to move to the east, MTV reports. Commenting on the situation, political scientist Yuri Lavikainen notes that Finland does not plan to apply for membership in the Alliance now. But if he does, Moscow will do everything possible to prevent this, he is sure. Although, according to the expert, the Kremlin is much more concerned about Ukraine.
Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference that Russia respects the right of Finland and Sweden to join NATO.
Yle asked the minister whether Russia respects the sovereignty of Finland and Sweden and the right to make independent decisions - for example, about joining the NATO military alliance.
To the researcher of the Institute of International Relations of Finland, Jyri Lavikainen, the current statements of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO remind of the liturgy, the words of which have been addressed to Finland for a long time.
"There is nothing special about such a course. Russia says it respects the sovereignty of Ukraine - and is still waging war in the east of the country."
Lavrov said he respects the neutrality of the countries.
"We believe that the policy of neutrality of these countries is one of the most important contributions to the pan-European architecture and to ensuring security on the European continent," Sergey Lavrov said.
Researcher: Russia wants to include Ukraine and Georgia in its circle of interests
According to researcher Lavikainen, if Finland wants to become a member of NATO, Russia will prevent it in every possible way.
"First of all, of course, they will try to prevent this. They would definitely perceive it as a hostile move."
It seems that Ukraine's membership in NATO interests Russia much more. Why? Lavikainen believes that Russia's strategy is behind this.
"I think in this case we are talking about the desire to single out Ukraine and Georgia and bargain for them. Therefore, he does not want to attract special attention to Finland and Sweden."
"It seems that in Russia they think that it is easier to negotiate with Western countries about these distant countries that are not even part of the EU. I think that's why they chose this line. Apparently, they expect to keep these countries in the sphere of their interests."
Salla Laurila
