The Putin regime accuses Finland, of choosing a path leading to confrontation.
In the early hours of Saturday, Finland closed four border stations in the southern part of the country. The Finnish government considers the manner in which asylum seekers are allowed past Russian border controls to be organized.
“It has been clearly organized,” says Markku Hassinen, Deputy Director at the Border Guard Service, to Hufvudstadsbladet.
"A grave mistake"
This decision has provoked a strong reaction from Russia who now warns of the path Finland has chosen to take.
“Russia has never threatened Finland in modern history. We had no reason for confrontation,” says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Sky News, citing the Russian state news agency Tass.
“They have now chosen this path. From our perspective, this is a grave mistake.”
"Deep regret"
Tensions between the two countries escalated following Russia's brutal invasion of neighboring Ukraine, leading Finland to recently join NATO.
“One can only express deep regret that the Finnish authorities have chosen to destroy bilateral relations,” claims Dmitry Peskov.
He asserts that Finland and Russia have always had “mutually beneficial and respectful relations,” according to Sky News.
"The threat has not disappeared"
In 1939, Russian troops invaded Finland. The then Soviet Union claimed certain border areas near Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, in Sweden's neighboring country. Finland held out until the spring of 1940, ceding several areas.
However, even in modern times, Russia has repeatedly directed threats towards its neighbor.
“The threat from Russia has not disappeared anywhere,” says Antti Pelttari, head of the Finnish Security Police, to Yle.
Hostile state
He states that Russia now views Finland as a hostile state.
“Russia could direct countermeasures against Finland. On the other hand, NATO membership raises the threshold for attacks,” says Antti Pelttari.
According to the Security Police, cyber espionage, influence operations, and unprotected data connections are some of the most significant Russian threats against Finland.
