Finland does not expect immediate Russia's attack, but we are ready - Prime Minister
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Getty Images)
Finland does not expect Russia to attack the country immediately. However, Helsinki is ready, according to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
"We have one of the strongest armies in NATO, very serious reserve forces. That's 800 thousand. people whom we can quickly put under arms. So we are talking about a very effective deterrent force. We do not expect an immediate attack from Russia, but we are ready!" said Orpo.
The Prime Minister added that Russia poses a threat to all European countries.
"But of course, the countries that border Russia are most at risk. Finland is very well prepared to repel such aggression. But now all of Europe must wake up. And immediately. There is no time to waste. We need to strengthen our arms industry because we need to help Ukraine immediately. There is no time to waste," Orpo said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the Western arms industry because countries must aid Ukraine immediately.
"And in the medium and long term, Europe itself needs greater defense capabilities. We must effectively deter Russia against aggression against Europe. This is a country that has changed profoundly and has become extremely aggressive. Against such a threat, we cannot rely solely on US aid. We need our own defense capabilities," the Finnish Prime Minister declared.
He highlighted that Helsinki has implemented a comprehensive defense model covering not only military but also food and energy security, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure. "It assumes cooperation between the state and civil society and entrepreneurs. We want to help implement this across Europe," Orpo added.
NATO prepares for possible escalations
Earlier, the German Bild reported that NATO intends to conduct large-scale exercises involving around 90,000 military personnel in February. The scenario for the exercises is a Russian attack on Alliance territory.
At the same time, the head of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, stated that the alliance requires transformation, and the West must prepare for an era where anything can happen at any time, including the onset of war.
On January 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that wavering Western support for Kyiv and fear of escalation in the war with Russia could prolong hostilities for years.
