Russia directly threatens Finland with war: Putin and Medvedev make strong statements
Russia openly increased the rhetoric of threats against Finland. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin said that the Russian armed forces will be deployed on the border with Finland, He said this was «not the case before».
Threats from Moscow
In parallel with Putin's statement, the deputy head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has issued even harsher rhetoric, stating that «Finland will have to pay for its vile Russophobia».
Such statements are seen in Helsinki and European capitals as direct threats of the use of force and an element of psychological pressure after Finland joined NATO.
Context and provocation
Against the backdrop of these statements 31 December in the waters Finland was The submarine communication cable is damaged. Official investigations are ongoing, but the incident is already being treated as a possible hybrid attack.
Additional attention was drawn to the episode with the so-called «Doomsday Radio» In Russia, where in the same period, the Finnish polka - a gesture that experts interpret as information and psychological provocation.
Western reaction
Finland and its NATO allies have repeatedly emphasised that Any military threats or actions against Allies will be met with a collective response. Helsinki emphasises that the country does not pose a threat to Russia, and that all security decisions are made within the framework of international law.
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