Russia’s measures against Finland on Thursday will teach Finns new ways. – Russia is now treating us the way it treats us, Hannu Himanen says.
Former ambassador of Finland to Russia Hannu Himanen states that Russia now treats Finland like other EU member states. However, Finland is getting used to this. Himanen says that the bilateral relations between Finland and Russia are, however, very different from the relations of several EU countries with Russia.
According to Himanen, the connection between Finland and Russia will be shaped by the population base, trade relations and the movement of people in the long term.
– The effects are of course much greater for Finland than for many other EU countries, he says.
The fact that Russia expels nine Finnish diplomats as a response to Finland’s recent similar decision was expected, according to Himanen. Himanen also believes that the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs was already prepared for countermeasures when Finland decided to expel Russian diplomats.
– We have to learn new ways, because Russia treats us now the way it does, Himanen states.
Russia wants to isolate itself from the West
The background of Russia’s attitude is undeniably also Finland’s armed aid to Ukraine. Here too, Finland is no different from other EU and NATO countries, says Himanen.
The decisions made now are strongly about the weakening of bilateral relations between Finland and Russia. From Russia’s point of view, it is more broadly about its relations with the West, Himanen estimates.
– Now it wants to isolate itself and weaken its own relations with Western countries.
“A symbolic and political decision”
Russia’s decision to close Finland’s consulate general in St. Petersburg is above all a symbolic act, says Himanen. The closing of the consulate general does not have very big effects in this particular world situation.
Visa matters are handled at the General Consulate, among other things. As tourism between Russia and Finland has decreased with the Russian war of aggression, the consulate’s practical activities have naturally decreased.
– This closing of the consulate general can be characterized above all as symbolic and political. It is a communication about what Russia thinks about its relationship with Finland and other Western countries, reflects Himanen.