Iltalehti: Finland's security will depend on Russia-NATO relationsThe eastern border of NATO and the Kola Peninsula will play an important role in relations between Russia and the Nordic countries, says the former commander of the Finnish Defense Forces, General Ari Puheloinen.
In an interview with Iltalehti, he also called Moscow and St. Petersburg the most important Russian sites in the west of the country.
Sirri RimppiThe former commander of the Finnish Defense Forces, General Ari Puheloinen, did not participate in the discussion of Finland's current security policy.
However, in his recently published book "The Soldier and the Worker" (Sotilas ja työmies), he talks about the strategic situation in Northern Europe and possible speculations, including Finland's accession to NATO.
Reform of the Defense Forces
Puheloinen was the commander of the Finnish Defense Forces from 2009 to 2014, when the reform of the Defense Forces was carried out.
Activities during peacetime were reorganized in such a way that large sums received for it were directed to the maintenance and equipping of wartime troops.
Would the reform of the Defense Forces have been different if Finland had been thinking of joining NATO at that stage?"Not at all.
Then there was a need to strengthen their own forces. It had to be provided independently. Membership in the military alliance is just an addition."
The reform would also have been carried out if Russia had invaded the territory of Crimea earlier. Puheloinen argues that such a development would also increase the need for reform.
After the start of the reform, the financing of the Defense Forces unexpectedly decreased by 10%. Budget cuts and reform of the Defense Forces were separate actions, but the reform had to be carried out within the framework outlined in the new budget. At the same time, the reform partially turned into a program to reduce the army.
The reduction in the size of the army could lead to a fall in defense capability below the required level. Even the government, which made the decision to reduce the size of the army, understood this and informed about the decision retroactively.
"Apparently, it has now been concluded that additional funding in the amount of the annual budget of the 2010s is not enough for the Defense Forces."
For 2023, the government has allocated 6.1 billion euros to the Finnish Defense Forces, which is about 20% more than in the previous year. In February, there was a proposal to allocate another 43 million euros. The money will be used, in particular, for the purchase of materials to improve the effectiveness of the armed forces of national defense.
In accordance with the NATO line
The volume of the defense budget, of course, is also affected by Russia's aggressive actions. In his book, Puheloinen argues that trust between Russia and Finland has been undermined.
At what stage did you start thinking that joining NATO might be the right decision?"I can't say for sure.
I tried to write objectively because the discussion was very polarized. I consider Finland's application to join NATO a justified step."
According to Puheloinen, there are two ways to address security issues related to relations between Finland and Russia.
"Until recently, these relations were based on mutual trust. Now that the situation has changed, another option has emerged — the NATO line."
Puheloinen considers it obvious: now it is absolutely clear which way to go.
"It is not necessary to stay outside the alliance and wait for possible situations similar to the Ukrainian one."
Should Finland try to make sure that Russia does not feel threatened after joining NATO — or is it better to play the threat card against Russia?"When Finland joins the alliance, it will need to adhere to the NATO line and take into account the interests of the organization."
Activities of the military base on the Kola Peninsula
Pukheloinen considers Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Kola Peninsula to be the most important sites in western Russia. Moscow and St. Petersburg are objects for which it is important to provide defense, and the Kola Peninsula is an active military base. The main task of this military base is to ensure the possibility of using strategic weapons against external targets — in other words, attacks.
If the NATO border moves to the eastern border of Finland, how will this affect St. Petersburg and the base on the Kola Peninsula? For which object will the situation pose the greatest threat?"I can't answer unequivocally, but there are more opportunities in the defense of Moscow and St. Petersburg in terms of geographical location.
Regarding the Kola Peninsula, NATO is very close."
Moscow and St. Petersburg have better transport links with other regions of Russia and with each other, as well as cities located at a greater distance from a possible future border with NATO. But the base on the Kola Peninsula is already located next to Norway, a NATO member. If Finland and Sweden join the alliance, NATO's presence will only increase.
"I wouldn't be surprised if in the future Russia will emphasize the importance of the Kola Peninsula even more."
"Time will tell how Russia will do this, but changes in military issues in Finland and Sweden will clearly affect the development of the situation. I think the combat readiness on the Kola Peninsula will be increased."
Pukheloinen recalls that it is possible to increase combat readiness by training forces outside the region. This technique was applied to the Ukrainian crisis.
Could the threat against Finland increase?"It's hard to say, because the threat is influenced by the general situation in relations between NATO and Russia."
And one more question: would you like to go into politics?"No.
While still in the post of commander of the Defense Forces, I decided that I would not become a consultant, a lobbyist, or a politician. This is my choice, and let it remain so."
