Iltalehti: Finns consider it likely that Russia will threaten their country
More than half of Finns consider it likely that in the coming years Russia will threaten their country — or put pressure on it, Iltalehti reports. The newspaper cites data from a survey whose participants were asked to assess the international situation after Moscow demanded to limit NATO's advance to the Russian borders.
According to a recent Iltalehti poll, more than half of Finns believe it is likely that in the coming years Russia will threaten Finland - or put pressure on it.
In a survey conducted with the participation of the Taloustutkimus organization, Finns were asked about their attitude to Russia's actions.
52% of Finns consider it very or quite likely that Russia will threaten Finland or put pressure on it in the coming years. 41% of respondents considered such actions by Russia to be rather unlikely or very unlikely.
The survey indicated that threats or pressure can mean not only a military threat, but also different ways of exerting hybrid influence.
How is the international situation interpreted?
Finns were also asked what they think about the international situation in light of the fact that Russia has put forward a demand to limit NATO's advance to the Russian borders.
Respondents were given several answers. About 40% of respondents chose the option "Russia only wants to strengthen its position with its statements, it is not worth paying special attention to them."
The majority of respondents would still like to hear a reaction to Russian demands. About 40% of Finns chose as an answer "Russian statements are a gross interference in the right of states to self-determination, and they should be harshly reacted to."
14% answered that "Russia's concern is justified and is quite understandable, it should be taken into account in the decisions of states."
The survey on attitudes towards Russia was conducted as part of the Iltalehti study before the regional elections. Preliminary voting has already begun in Finland.
The Taloustutkimus organization interviewed 1,046 Finns for the period from January 7 to January 10. The survey was conducted on the Internet, the participants were representatives of the adult population of Finland. The statistical error is about 3%.
Elli Harju
