The Russian attack on Ukraine has fundamentally changed the European security environment. We can say with more certainty that the war will last a long time A turning point that changed Europe.
For the Finns, one thing was clear from the beginning – it is not only Europe's duty, but above all, its interest to actively support Ukraine in driving out the aggressor as long as necessary. Because if Russia achieves its goals through war, it will become a threat to NATO and the continent.
In this way, it can create an order of battle in which the strongest dictate the terms. Europe cannot accept this. European security should still be based on the freedom of each country to make its own security policy decisions.
The Finns understand this – and have taken some steps to prepare for it.
Preparing for the unknown
Finland provides unwavering support to Ukraine and is ready to continue it for a long time. So far, it has been handed over to Kiev 22 defense packages worth €1.8 billion (over PLN 7 billion). It has also increased ammunition production to ensure its own security and long-term support for Ukraine.
Finland has taken a number of measures to prepare for various threats, including maintaining compulsory military service, continuing to invest in the armed forces, and working closely with its Nordic neighbors and other allies. The present situation shows that the elaborate precautions she took were right.
Since the 1990s, Finland has been gradually moving closer to the North Atlantic Alliance. In the spring of 2023, it finally decided to join NATO. This was influenced by two factors: the Kremlin's efforts to limit its activities in foreign and security policy by blocking the possibility of expanding the alliance, and the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Finnish society strongly supports NATO membership. Nine months after joining the coalition, a recent poll showed that nine out of 10 Finns viewed the outcome positively. A similar number of respondents said it was Finland's responsibility to support other members. For the Finns NATO is the most important factor responsible for Finland's security, and Russia is the biggest threat.
Lukas Fortkord / AFP
Kai Sauer, Finnish Ambassador to Germany, September 2023
Protection of the entire alliance
Finland takes its NATO membership seriously and is committed to it Joining strengthens the defense of the entire alliance. Helsinki has a well-equipped and functional security force. They never stopped compulsory military service, leaving the country of 5.6 million people with 900,000. 280,000 trained reservists who could form an armed force in the event of war. Players.
Finland has one of the strongest artillery forces in Europe, as well as a powerful air force and navy. Its defense spending is currently 2.4 percent. GDP
Helsinki brings to the alliance not only conventional military capabilities but also specialized capabilities. For decades, Finland's resilience to crises has been based on a “comprehensive security concept” that takes into account the broad range of potential threats and includes all relevant actors – from the public and private sectors.
Cyberspace strategy plays an important role in protecting Finnish infrastructure, companies and society. Not only does Finland have important expertise in this field, Nokia is one of the world's top three 5G and 6G manufacturers. The country plans to expand international cooperation in this field to strengthen its resilience to cyber and hybrid threats.
hybrid activities
In addition, there is also the attitude of Finns to potential threats. According to research, more than 80 percent are willing to defend their homeland if necessary. Member of Finland – And soon Sweden – so it increases in NATO Security of the Baltic Sea Regionand strengthening the security capabilities of the Baltic States.
The position of a German regiment in Lithuania was of great importance in this respect. This shows that Germany is ready to take on more responsibility for the military defense of Europe.
Since joining NATO, Finland has increasingly engaged in hybrid operations with Russia. It cannot be called otherwise in relation to the sovereignty of the Scandinavian country, its own security for democratic decisions, and the strengthening of the security of its allies.
Since last fall, Russia has been waging a hybrid war against Finland. It disrupted its eastern border – which is the eastern border of the European Union and NATO – with a length of 1.3 thousand kilometers. km Using migration pressure, it tries to undermine the security of Finland and the entire EU. However, the Finnish government responded decisively and closed the border with Russia in November.
Uncertain years
However, Moscow did not stop trying to destabilize the situation. In response, the Finnish government decided to close the border crossing with Russia until April 14. He expects Moscow to continue to use immigration as a hybrid weapon.
In recent years, Finland has come into its own Energy conservation weaknesses, especially after the damage to the NordStream and BalticConnector gas pipelines. He also noted the need to strengthen cooperation with Germany and the Baltic countries.
There will be years to come Sometimes uncertainty. Russia is not ready to return to a state of peace that would threaten European security, values and prosperity in the long term. We must unite and resist with determination.
NATO's European pillar and the strength of its defense sector must be strengthened and communities' resilience must be enhanced. Finland has many strengths, sometimes its advantage – it is economically, technologically and militarily strong. Above all, it understands the need to respond collectively to security challenges.
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