Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen believes that Russia’s activity in the Baltic Sea has noticeably increased, which is raising tensions in the region.
He spoke about this on Yle’s program “Ykkösaamu.”
“Russian military presence in the region has always been noticeable; this is not news. However, what is new is that Russia is now protecting tankers of its shadow fleet in the narrow passage of the Gulf of Finland. There is military escort and armed forces presence. This is an entirely new feature,” Häkkänen said.
According to the minister, the security situation within Finland itself is good.
The country maintains close ties with NATO allies and with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I do not see any immediate threat to Finland. But Russia is strengthening its military capabilities and is an aggressive and dangerous neighbor to all of Europe, that is clear. Still, people can be absolutely calm — although proximity to (Russia ) carries its risks,” Häkkänen believes.
The publication notes that Russia is concentrating a huge number of troops near the eastern border with Finland. Recent photos from Swedish television of Russian locations Kamyanka, Severomorsk, and Petrozavodsk have drawn attention, particularly in the UK and the US. This issue was even raised with President Trump, who did not express concern about security problems in the region. According to Häkkänen, Trump is confident that Finland and Norway are safe.
