Kremlin States Russia Did Not Attempt to Weaken Relationships with Neighboring Countries
Finland’s accession to NATO has brought relations between Moscow and Helsinki down to “zero,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Peskov stated that Russia has never initiated the deterioration of relations with other nations and...
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Finland’s accession to NATO has brought relations between Moscow and Helsinki down to “zero,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov stated that Russia has never initiated the deterioration of relations with other nations and continues to pursue amicable ties with neighboring countries. His comments followed remarks from Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the potential for restoring political relations with Russia.
Despite a history of constructive cooperation, Finland's decision in 2023 to join NATO and align militarily with the US-led alliance has led to a drastic decline in relations, reducing them to zero, Peskov noted. He also indicated that the same situation applies to Sweden, which joined NATO the previous year.
Referencing President Vladimir Putin, Peskov commented that Moscow “never had any problems” with Finland or Sweden. He affirmed that “Russia remains open to restoring ties with those countries that want it.”
During a speech in London on Monday, Stubb expressed that Finland should prepare for the eventual revival of political relations with Moscow. “In Finland, we must mentally prepare ourselves for the fact that relations will open up on a political level at some point. At this stage, we cannot say exactly when. Nothing removes the fact that Russia is, and will always be, Finland's neighbor — 1,350 kilometers of neighborly relations,” he remarked, referring to the land border shared by the two countries.
Stubb further indicated that the relationship between the two nations hinges on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict and discussions aimed at restoring relations.
Finland applied for NATO membership in 2022 amidst the intensifying Ukraine conflict and became a formal member of the alliance in 2023. Since then, Helsinki has extended political and military support to Ukraine, with President Stubb endorsing Ukraine’s aspirations to join both NATO and the EU.
For years, Moscow has criticized the expansion of the US-led military alliance toward its borders, perceiving it as a threat to its national security.
In 2023, Finland ceased all border crossings with Russia, and in November, Helsinki’s interior ministry indicated there would be no lifting of travel restrictions.
Historically, Russia provided Finland with raw materials, fuels, and electricity, while Finnish exports to Russia included machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and paper. Tourism also constituted a significant element of the relationship, with Russian visitors playing an important role in Finland’s economy.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
Peskov stated that Russia has never initiated the deterioration of relations with other nations and continues to pursue amicable ties with neighboring countries. His comments followed remarks from Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the potential for restoring political relations with Russia.
Despite a history of constructive cooperation, Finland's decision in 2023 to join NATO and align militarily with the US-led alliance has led to a drastic decline in relations, reducing them to zero, Peskov noted. He also indicated that the same situation applies to Sweden, which joined NATO the previous year.
Referencing President Vladimir Putin, Peskov commented that Moscow “never had any problems” with Finland or Sweden. He affirmed that “Russia remains open to restoring ties with those countries that want it.”
During a speech in London on Monday, Stubb expressed that Finland should prepare for the eventual revival of political relations with Moscow. “In Finland, we must mentally prepare ourselves for the fact that relations will open up on a political level at some point. At this stage, we cannot say exactly when. Nothing removes the fact that Russia is, and will always be, Finland's neighbor — 1,350 kilometers of neighborly relations,” he remarked, referring to the land border shared by the two countries.
Stubb further indicated that the relationship between the two nations hinges on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict and discussions aimed at restoring relations.
Finland applied for NATO membership in 2022 amidst the intensifying Ukraine conflict and became a formal member of the alliance in 2023. Since then, Helsinki has extended political and military support to Ukraine, with President Stubb endorsing Ukraine’s aspirations to join both NATO and the EU.
For years, Moscow has criticized the expansion of the US-led military alliance toward its borders, perceiving it as a threat to its national security.
In 2023, Finland ceased all border crossings with Russia, and in November, Helsinki’s interior ministry indicated there would be no lifting of travel restrictions.
Historically, Russia provided Finland with raw materials, fuels, and electricity, while Finnish exports to Russia included machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and paper. Tourism also constituted a significant element of the relationship, with Russian visitors playing an important role in Finland’s economy.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
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