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The last time the two countries fought technically ended with af Russian victory – technically …
The last time the two countries fought technically ended with af Russian victory – technically …
What is happening?
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has accused Finland of taking a “confrontational course” in anticipation of war with Russia.
In a sharply worded article for Russian state agency TASS, Medvedev claimed Helsinki is turning into a NATO stronghold aimed at Moscow.
NATO membership sparks accusations
Medvedev pointed to Finland’s recent NATO membership as the trigger for heightened tensions.
While Finland and Sweden joined the alliance citing self-defense after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow views it as a direct threat on its northwest border.
Lapland becomes a focus
According to Medvedev, Finland has established command structures for its military units in the Lapland region—close to the Russian border.
He argued this build-up can only be interpreted as a preparation for military action against Russia.
“A bridgehead for attack”
The former Russian leader accused Helsinki of creating a “bridgehead” from which an attack on Russia could be launched.
“It is clear against whom these structures are directed,” he wrote, referencing NATO’s designation of Russia as an adversary.
Russia resurrects WWII Reparations demand
In a surprising revival of Cold War-era grievances, Medvedev called on Finland to pay reparations for its role in World War II.
He argued the current Finnish government is disregarding past treaties and behaving with “ingratitude.”
1947 Treaty disregarded, says Medvedev
The 1947 peace treaty between the Soviet Union and Finland capped reparations at $300 million.
Medvedev now claims Russia is no longer bound by that agreement, citing Finland’s alignment with NATO as justification for reasserting old claims.
A staggering new reparations figure
According to Medvedev, the damages inflicted by Finland during WWII are now worth around 20 trillion rubles—roughly $244 billion.
The figure is many times greater than what was agreed in the postwar settlement.
Tense neighbors with a difficult history
Russia and Finland share a complex history, including direct military conflict during the 20th century.
While post-war relations were relatively stable during Finland’s neutrality, NATO membership has reignited old disputes and suspicions.
The Winter War
During WW2, the Soviet Union invaded Finland in what ended as a Soviet victory on paper, but the Finns put up fierce resistance and exposed the ineptitude of the Red Army.
Medvedev’s harsh rhetoric
Medvedev titled his article “Finland’s New Doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude”—an unmistakably hostile take on Finland’s shift in foreign policy.
His comments reflect a growing hardline stance within Russia’s leadership towards neighboring NATO members.
Finland stays the course
Despite Moscow’s warnings and rhetoric, Finland continues to reinforce its defense posture within NATO.
Officials in Helsinki maintain that the move is purely defensive and driven by security concerns following Russia’s war in Ukraine.
