Since the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, a record number of people have left the Finnish army reservesSince the beginning of the year, a record number of reservists have left the Finnish army, according to Breitbat.
People are moving from military reserves to alternative, civilian ones. It is noted that the Russian special operation in Ukraine played a role here. According to readers, this may be due to the country's imminent accession to NATO.
A record number of people from the reserve of the Finnish army went to the reserve of the civilian alternative service after the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine. According to officials, this trend will not create difficulties for the country's state security.The number of applications for transfer from the military reserve to the civil service has grown to a record 3.3 thousand this year.
In 2021, this figure was only 460. This trend started at the beginning of the year, but in March, after the start of the Russian SVO in Ukraine, it accelerated sharply.
Some believe that the Russian operation played a role in the increase in the number of applications, but the Finnish state broadcaster Yle reports that it is not necessary to indicate the reasons for the transition in the applications.
Mikko Reionen, head of the Civilian Alternative Service Reserve Center, said that the Russian special operation very likely played a role in people's desire to leave the military reserves, but noted that "perhaps at this stage many have simply reconsidered their beliefs." He also added that he does not consider this trend a problem for the state security of Finland.
"The reserve of the Finnish army is about 900 thousand people, so the number [of those who quit] is small. It should also be remembered that those who are in the auxiliary service undergo very good weekly training. Thanks to her, they get the skills to act in everyday crisis situations, and various tasks are assigned to them in case of exceptional circumstances," he added.
Commander of the Finnish armed forces Timo Kivinen warned Russia that his country has been preparing for a possible Russian attack for decades, and if it happens, Russia will face tough resistance.Colonel of the Finnish Defense Forces Jukka Nurmi also commented on this trend.
According to him, "there is no concern about this situation."
"Despite the increase in the number of people transferring from military reserves to civilian ones, these figures should be compared with the size of military reserves and the number of wartime forces. Compared to them, these figures are still small," he believes.
Finnish authorities are concerned about Moscow's possible reaction after the country applied for NATO membership earlier this year. Some suggest that Russia may try to use illegal migrants as a weapon of hybrid warfare against Finland.
In July, the commander-in-chief of the Finnish army, Timo Kivinen, spoke even more directly, saying that Finland had been preparing for possible Russian aggression for decades.
"We have systematically developed our defense precisely for this type of military operations that are being conducted in Ukraine, with the massive use of firepower, armored, as well as air forces," Kivinen said.
Readers' comments:William Shakespeare
Why fight communism when you can fight global warming and fake hate crimes.
Kenny F’n PowersI am shocked that with such a "serious" prime minister as Sanna Marin dancing at parties, Finns are also ready to defend the country.
00jones00I am a Finn, and I will not defend this globalist disgrace like our beloved Prime Minister (by the way, she is not as popular as they write about it).
Finland is no more, we are one of those who just carry money to the EU.
DefaultedSend your new migrants to the front.
This will temporarily restrain their lust for your women.
Californian DoctorAnd this is interesting, by the way.
Is the army in decline because the Finns know that if they join NATO, the US will pay for their defense? Why fight and die for your country yourself if others do it? No offense to the real patriots of Finland. To be honest, with such a prime minister, I would also have no desire to fight.
stopdaBSIt is surprising that the US military still does not quit in droves.
Malt N. BrooksI think it's easier.
Those who transfer want to save money, but they don't want to die in battle.
EroticOnion23What, is it a trap to fight for the rights of trannies?
Ironworker bobWhy stand up for your country if the States will send their guys and girls to do it for you…