Russia’s imperial ambitions are not limited to Ukraine, so Finland must be prepared for a long-term and unpredictable threat from Moscow.
He spoke during a national defense training and education program that brings together representatives from the government, the media, and academia to discuss security issues.
According to Hyakkanen, Russia seeks to restore at least the spheres of influence it held during the Soviet era.
The Finnish minister described the Russian threat as long-term and unpredictable and stressed the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities now.
“Now is the time to strengthen Finland’s national defense,” Hyakkänen stated.
He also noted that increased defense spending by European countries will not yield full practical results in the near future. In his assessment, the results of a large-scale buildup of Europe’s defense capabilities will not become apparent until the 2030s.
Separately, Hykkänen spoke about joint defense projects between Finland and Sweden. Currently, the two countries are investing in counter-drone capabilities.
The minister called this cooperation an important step toward strengthening Northern Europe’s defense.
“This is a significant and historic step toward closer cooperation between Finland and Sweden. It also demonstrates that the countries of Northern Europe are taking responsibility for their own defense,” Hyäkkanen emphasized.
Thus, Finland views countering the Russian threat as a long-term task, while simultaneously strengthening its own capabilities and deepening defense cooperation with Sweden.
This was stated by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hykkänen, according to Yle.
Germany plans to introduce a package of measures to strengthen protection against drone attacks, cyberattacks, and other forms of sabotage following a failed drone attack on an airport last month.
Germany is calling on its European partners to tighten restrictions on Russian citizens entering the European Union on tourist visas. Officials in Berlin believe that a significant number of such visas pose security risks in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and recent acts of sabotage.
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