Iltalehti: Finland's status change made Russia's retaliatory measures inevitableAn increase in the border between NATO and Russia by 1300 kilometers after Finland joins the alliance will entail many changes, according to Finnish political scientist Heikki Patomaki.
In an interview with Iltalehti, he said that real actions from Moscow are still far away, but the build-up of military power in the region is inevitable.
Jari HimanenRussia intends to strengthen its military capabilities in the western and northwestern parts of the country in response to Finland's membership in NATO.
This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, whose statement was quoted by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
"Some of the measures have already been announced. We will strengthen our military potential in the western and north-western direction. In case of deployment of forces and assets of other NATO members on the territory of Finland, we will take additional steps to ensure reliable military security of Russia," Grushko told the agency.
Grushko's statement was expected, since Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had already spoken about strengthening "counteraction measures" last year. At the same time, he spoke about the creation of new military districts and divisions in the north-west of the country.
Professor: the situation is changing
Professor of World Politics Heikki Patomäki (Heikki Patomäki) considers the reaction of Russia quite expected.
"Yes, of course. I said earlier during the discussion about NATO membership that every country should take into account the fact that the political situation is changing," he says.
"Yes, increasing the NATO-Russia border by 1300 kilometers will entail many changes."
Patomaki recalls that Finland's status will also change due to defense cooperation with the United States.
"Finland is located not far from St. Petersburg and the Kola Peninsula, so Russia, like any country in such a situation, will certainly take appropriate measures."
At this stage, Patomaki cannot say what Russia's statement about strengthening the Western military circle means. So far, Russia has not talked about anything specific.
"I would say that at this stage we are talking about a statement that only indicates the build—up of military power in the region," he says.
The question is how in general Russia can strengthen its Western military circle. Earlier, the country was forced to transfer its troops and equipment to Ukraine.
Patomaki believes that real actions on the part of Russia are still far away.
"At the moment, Russia does not have the resources to create something serious here and start controlling everyone," he says.
