Russia threatens Finland in case of escalation with NATO
Illustrative photo (pixabay.com)
The Kremlin continues its intimidation rhetoric towards Finland, which joined the North Atlantic Alliance. Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said that in the event of a confrontation with NATO, Finland could be the first to suffer, according to Russian media.
The high-ranking Russian diplomat justified these alarming remarks by citing the proximity of Finland, whose border adjoins Russia.
In an interview with the Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti, he expressed the opinion that Finland, which maintained a neutral status for decades, has turned into a state hostile to Moscow after becoming a member of NATO this year.
"They lived peacefully, and suddenly they find themselves between Russia and NATO as a member of this Alliance. But since they are our neighbors, if, God forbid, there is any escalation, they will be the first to suffer," Ulyanov said.
Controversial statements from the Russian diplomat
The Russian high-ranking diplomat is not the first to stand out with sharp statements, and his remarks after the start of the large-scale military aggression against Ukraine even include calls for genocide.
Last year, Ulyanov, the Russian representative, publicly urged not to spare Ukrainians on X (Twitter), commenting on a post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the United States for a new aid package.
Following this, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian diplomat. The ministry emphasized that Ulyanov's statements were inhumane.
Threats from Russia towards Finland
Earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin threatened Finland over the country's NATO accession, stating that he would deploy troops to the Finnish border.
Yesterday, on December 27, it became known that Russia would soon deploy its modern howitzers in its Northern Military District, which borders Finland and Norway.
The question of NATO expansion became relevant after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In April 2023, Finland officially became the 31st member of NATO. Sweden also plans to join the Alliance, but Türkiye is currently blocking its membership.
