Finnish authorities alleged to be secretly readying themselves for potential military conflict with Russia, according to a statement from a high-ranking Russian official.
In a recent column for the Russian state news agency Tass, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has accused Finland of pursuing a confrontational course against Russia and demanded reparations for damages caused during World War II.
The tension between the two countries escalated when Finland joined NATO in response to the start of the war in Ukraine. Medvedev claims that this move is a violation of old agreements and a threat to Russia's security.
The history between Finland and Russia dates back to the Winter War started by the Soviet Union in 1939. Finland's participation in the war was seen as a continuation of this conflict. However, Finland remained neutral for decades after World War II before joining NATO.
Medvedev's accusations against Finland are not new. He has previously raised reparations claims, stating that the actual damages caused by Finland in World War II amounted to 20 trillion rubles (around €220 billion). This is far exceeding the originally agreed Soviet reparations of $300 million.
In his column titled "Finland's new doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude," Medvedev accused Finland of preparing for war against Russia. He further claimed that Finland, like Germany, bears responsibility for World War II.
Moscow's view of Finland's security aspirations after Russia's attack on Ukraine has been one of disapproval. Medvedev wrote that the command structures for army units being created in Lapland, Finland, in immediate proximity to the Russian border, are aimed at Russia, given that NATO has declared Russia an enemy.
These demands and accusations have caused a stir in Finland, with the Finnish government stating that they will not be intimidated by Russia and will continue to defend their country's sovereignty.
The 1947 peace treaty, which limited Soviet reparations claims to $300 million, is no longer considered binding by Moscow due to what they see as Finland's new aggressive policy. The implications of this development remain to be seen, but it is clear that the relationship between Finland and Russia is at a critical juncture.
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