In A-studio, security policy experts assess the growing security threat posed by Russia.
Finland is not necessarily very safe, because an international conflict is currently developing. A really fast polarization is visible. A big bunch of countries are trying to weaken the West, especially the United States.
This is what the Network Director of the Hybrid Expertise Center thinks Jukka Savolainen in A-studio on Tuesday.
– The hybrid impact on Finland’s eastern border could be very dangerous. It could be a company that would drive Finland into a chaotic state in a few years.
Savolainen also sees positive signs in time. Finland can influence Russia’s situation. Finland has also shown that the country’s military deterrence is rising rapidly.
– This prevents the threat of a military attack. We have sustainability in society’s systems and people’s minds. It is at a high level and we will keep it. In its invoice deliveries, Russia comes to the conclusion that there is no benefit to be gained cheaply.
Director of the Foreign Policy Institute Mika Aaltola considers Savolainen’s evaluations to be good. According to Aaltola, no one currently knows what kind of paths things will take in the future.
– The most likely paths are that Russia will continue on its chosen path as long as Putin is in power. It has got its war economy in order, it is testing its own ability to last – also its ability to centralize power. This could take years.
Aaltola thinks that the path chosen by Russia is eating away at the state internally and it needs external support. China indirectly supports Russia, trades and produces the backbone of Russia’s resilience.
According to the assessment of the Protection Police (supo), Russia’s activities constitute the most significant threat to Finland’s national security. Russia considers Finland to be an unfriendly country and targets Finland with wide-ranging influence and espionage.
Hybrid influence on the eastern border is the easiest way for Russia to keep Finland on its toes. Supo also reminds that different kinds of pressure, intelligence or asset confiscation can be aimed at Finns staying in Russia. However, the threat of terrorism has not increased.
Watch A-studio at Areena on Tuesday.