The head of Finnish intelligence has voiced his surprise that Russian reprisals have not yet followed its NATO application, as he sought to unblock the bid by reassuring Turkey on terrorism,
Financial Times reports.
Antti Pelttari, head of Supo, Finland’s security and intelligence service, told the Financial Times that Helsinki remained “vigilant” over the potential for Russian mischief but that its eastern neighbour’s resources were tied up in the war in Ukraine. “It has been rather quiet and let’s hope it stays that way,” he said in a rare interview. “It’s a positive thing that nothing has happened. But it’s also a positive thing that we have been prepared and able to protect society.”
Finland was braced for Russian cyber and hybrid attacks during its debate on whether to enter NATO and in the months leading up to becoming a formal member. Finnish officials are hopeful that Russian president Vladimir Putin has accepted their decision to enter the western military alliance but believe that the Kremlin may be hoping to influence decisions such as whether foreign troops or nuclear weapons are based in the Nordic country. Pelttari said: “They are interested once Finland becomes a member of NATO, what kind of member Finland is.”
Finland has not shown any interest in either foreign troops or nuclear weapons, but it has not ruled them out — unlike fellow applicant Sweden.
The Finnish spy chief added that the Nordic country, once known for its cautious communications strategy over the Soviet Union, had become more direct in talking about its eastern neighbour.
Finnish president Sauli Niinistö memorably said last month that his message to Russia would be: “You caused this. Look at the mirror.”