He drew attention to a different Russian rhetoric: this is an example of the failure of all the Kremlin’s goals
As the political scientist said in the program, this is a historical event for Finland itself and for the entire NATO bloc.
“For Finland, this is, of course, additional security guarantees. We know that after the Second World War, this country chose a policy of neutrality at first, and then of not joining military alliances. In other words, it took care of its own security, invested a lot in defense, has a very capable army, as well as a sufficiently large reserve. So that country was ready to defend itself against any threats”, stated L. Kojala.
However, becoming a NATO member, as the expert emphasized, Finland provides an additional security “umbrella”.
“This is a very big added value for Finland itself, but also Finland, of course, will contribute to the strength of the NATO alliance, because it is a capable state that makes the Baltic Sea region safer than ever before,” stated the participant of the show.
He pointed to Russia’s past rhetoric, which has consistently emphasized the goal of stalling the alliance’s expansion.
“If this is really the case, then Finland’s accession to NATO is another illustrative example that all the Kremlin’s strategic goals are failing – whether it is failing in Ukraine or failing in terms of NATO expansion and many other aspects, but perhaps we have always appreciated that carefully, because we always realize that NATO is a defensive alliance. It does not pose a threat to any neighbors – neither Russia nor others,” said L. Kojala.
The expansion of NATO, according to him, is a reaction to Russia’s own aggression – the war in Ukraine and the constant demonstration of readiness to use military force against its neighbors.
“Finland’s decision is just another example that NATO is the best response to the Russian threat,” RESC director said.
The political scientist reminded that as soon as Finland spoke about its intentions to join the alliance, the Kremlin threw threats.
“Obviously, Russia’s ability to influence this process is very limited. (…) Currently Russiaas an aggressor, is stuck in its ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine, which is a brutal invasion, and the possibilities of trying to somehow stop the NATO expansion process are essentially minimal,” said L. Kojala.
However, he said, in the long term, it is very important to talk about the security of the eastern wing of the alliance.
“We see this as an intermediate step, because we hope that Sweden will become a member of NATO in the very near future, which is very close to opening NATO’s doors, but as we know, there are still political nuances that need to be resolved. However, when this happens, the Baltic Sea region will be much safer,” the interviewer emphasized.
In addition, according to the political scientist, Finland and, when it joins the alliance, Sweden, will directly contribute to the greater security of Lithuania, as NATO will accordingly adjust the defense plans of the bloc’s Eastern Alliance.
“Obviously, a lot will depend on various details, for example, whether Finland will be primarily linked at the operational level to the command post in Norfolk, United States, or Brunssum, Netherlands – which may appear from the outside to be more technical issues, but they will be important in the long-term planning process . In any case, Finland will be an integral part of NATO”, emphasized L. Kojala.
He also pointed out that Finland has one of the largest military reserves in the entire alliance, as it has always taken care of its own security.
“We have a country that has both a strong military and one of the most powerful artillery in the world, and has also acquired new, modern weapons, including fighter jets, which will only further strengthen the defense capabilities of this country.” Finland will be able to contribute in various ways to making the entire NATO alliance safer,” said the political scientist.
The RESC chief also said there was still cautious optimism about Sweden’s membership, as the country could move on to the ratification process, which it has now put on hold for political reasons, after the elections in Turkey.