Finland’s NATO Membership and the Growing Tensions with Russia

Finland’s membership in NATO has extended the alliance’s borders with Russia by 830 miles, causing tension between the two countries. As NATO’s newest member, Finland now enjoys the protection of 30 nations, including the United States. However, this move has angered Moscow and raised concerns among many Finns about the possibility of becoming a Russian target. Finland’s decision to join NATO was prompted by fears of a potential Russian invasion, given the country’s history with Russia, including Joseph Stalin’s invasion in 1939. Finland’s border with Russia has now become a NATO boundary, doubling Russia’s existing borders with NATO countries. While there are no immediate plans to station troops or install infrastructure at the border, Finnish officials are prepared and have a border guard that doubles as a branch of the military. Finland’s membership in NATO has also raised concerns about weaponized migration, prompting the installation of a border fence to prevent unauthorized crossings. Despite the tensions, Finnish officials maintain cordial relations with their Russian counterparts and try to avoid political discussions.Finland’s membership in the Western military alliance, NATO, has extended the organization’s borders with Russia by 830 miles, causing tension between the two countries. As Finland enjoys the protection of 30 nations, including the United States, many Finns fear that their country could become a target for Russia. Despite the peaceful scene at the Vaalimaa border crossing, Finnish officials are aware of the potential threat and have taken measures to ensure security.

The recent expulsion of nine Finnish diplomats by Russia, in response to Finland’s expulsion of nine Russian diplomats, highlights the growing tensions between the two countries. Russia views Finland’s NATO membership and its support for Ukraine as hostile actions that threaten its security. However, Finnish officials argue that the only threat is from Russia.

Finland’s decision to join NATO was driven by the fear of ending up in a situation similar to Ukraine’s. The country’s border, which stretches 830 miles from the Barents Sea to the Gulf of Finland, has now become a NATO boundary. Under the alliance’s charter, an attack on Finland would be treated as an attack on all NATO members.

While there are currently no plans to station troops or install infrastructure at the border, NATO officials have been visiting Finland to assess its vulnerabilities and the country’s preparations. Finland’s border guard, which doubles as a branch of its military, is equipped with body armor and semiautomatic rifles. However, the force would be of little use against a Russian military assault.

In addition to conventional military threats, Finland is also concerned about weaponized migration. The country has begun installing its first border fence to prevent asylum-seeking migrants from crossing the Russian border. Finland experienced a surge of migrants in 2015 and 2016, which it believes was orchestrated by Russia to destabilize European countries.

Despite the tensions, Finnish and Russian border officials maintain cordial and professional relations. They communicate regularly, focusing on non-political topics such as fishing, hunting, and sports. However, Finnish officials are aware that their Russian counterparts would not hesitate to act if ordered to do so.

Finland’s NATO membership has significantly changed the dynamics between the country and Russia. While the threat of a Russian military attack remains low, Finland remains vigilant and prepared to defend its borders.

How do Finnish officials navigate the delicate balance between maintaining amicable relations with Russia while also ensuring the security and well-being of their citizens under the extended alliance and raised tensions

Highlights the tense relationship between the two countries. Finland’s decision to join NATO was largely influenced by concerns of a potential Russian invasion, given their history with Russia, including Stalin’s invasion in 1939.

With Finland’s membership, Russia’s borders with NATO countries have now doubled. While there are currently no plans to station troops or establish infrastructure at the border, Finnish officials have a prepared border guard that also serves as a branch of the military.

Finland’s membership in NATO has also raised concerns about weaponized migration, leading to the installation of a border fence to prevent unauthorized crossings. Despite these tensions, Finnish officials maintain amicable relations with their Russian counterparts and try to avoid engaging in political discussions.

While Finland benefits from the protection of NATO, the extended alliance borders and raised tensions with Russia have caused anxiety among some Finns, who fear their country could become a target. However, Finnish officials remain vigilant in ensuring the security of their borders and the well-being of their citizens.