Finland and Sweden have officially applied for membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. What does this say about Putin as a strategist? And what is the view of current developments directly from Finland, which has a long common border with Russia and has fought an armed conflict with its powerful neighbor in the past, which to some extent continues to determine relations between the two countries?
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What you will hear in today’s episode 5:59
- As late as January 2022, only 28 percent of Finns were in favor of joining NATO. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is over 70 percent. And for them is also the majority of the Finnish parliament.
- “Finland used to be relatively close to the North Atlantic Alliance, so some people say that joining NATO will be just a ‘plug-in’, that we don’t have to accept any major changes, we just join the system and it starts working right away,” he says. Finnish commentator Jussi Niemelainen on membership in the North Atlantic Alliance.
- Relations between Finland and Russia have been close in recent years and have been of practical importance, with both countries sharing more than 1,300 kilometers. But the neighbor became an existential threat. “Putin’s regime was at first such a soft authoritarianism that evolved into a thoroughbred autocracy that is already close to total dictatorship.”
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The Finnish parliament has supported its country’s application to the North Atlantic Alliance. There were 188 out of 199 deputies. This is despite threats made by Russian officials in the past. According to them, the Finns – like the neighboring Swedes – must prepare for the serious consequences that joining NATO would bring them.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin moderated their statements. He said on Monday that he would not see the entry of the two countries into the military bloc as an immediate threat.
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“Anyway, we’re ready for it and I wouldn’t say there was any panic, not at all. People may only realize that there may be a period of uncomfortable waiting until our application to join NATO is processed, “said Helsingin Sanomat, a commentator at the current situation and a former long-time reporter in Moscow and the Baltics. Jussi Niemelainen.
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In Finland, unlike in the Czech Republic, basic military service is still compulsory. Even this, according to commentator Niemelainen, may have the effect that the Finns have not yet panicked and trusted their military.
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“And we also know that the Russian army is currently busy in Ukraine, so they had to transfer part of their troops from our borders there. “Something is coming, I do not believe that the current calm will last, but the Russian leadership is aware that it will not do much and they have probably had to admit that Finland is part of the West and can become part of NATO,” he says.
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NATO countries in Europe
‘Russia’s actions cannot be estimated’
According to a Finnish journalist, the main reason why Finland has decided to apply for NATO membership is the unpredictability of future Russian decisions.
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“Russia’s actions seem crazy, but it is basically impossible to predict. And if it ended in an attack on a neighboring country, you really don’t know the day or the hour. If your neighbor is able to aggressively attack and start a genocidal war against one country, all other neighbors should be careful, “says Helsingin Sanomat commentator Jussi Niemelainen in the 5:59 podcast.
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If Finland and Sweden actually join NATO, it will be a historic milestone not only for the Alliance but also for Europe as a whole.
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In Friday’s 5:59 podcast, you will also learn about the development of relations between Finland and Moscow over the last century and whether Vladimir Putin is really as ingenious a strategist as has been claimed for years. Listen to the audio at the beginning of the article.
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Creators and resources
Editor a koeditor: Pavel Vondra, Barbora Sochorová, Dominika Kubištová
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Sound design: David Kaiser
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Audio sample sources: The Guardian, Yle News, NBC News, Television List, CT24
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Podcast 5:59
Team news podcast Lenka Kabrhelová. One crucial topic every weekday for a minute six. The most important events in the Czech Republic, in the world, politics, economics, sports and culture through optics Message list.
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You will find an archive of all parts on our website. Write us your observations, comments or tips via social networks or by e-mail: [email protected].
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