Since the inception of the Ukraine war in late February, blocs of different hues were formed based on differing opinions floated by countries across the world. The majority of the countries stitched together with the US-led movement against Russia while the differing many held a view that made a tacit approval for the Russian-led incursion in Ukraine. These two categories had chock full of countries, but then there happened a third alternative and the most interesting bloc that consisted of countries that sat motionless in the backseat viewing how the incident unfolded on the global stage. These countries were christened as neutral blocs. Neither with Russia nor with Ukraine.
Giving Away Neutrality
Finland likewise was a long-time neutral Nordic country having close borders with Russia. During the tumultuous times of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, it occurred to Helsinki for the first time to reassess their defensive security as they thought the borders were getting more porous with Russia on the other side. But Helsinki didn’t haste for the move to join allegiance with western powers knowing it may seriously dent their relationship with Kremlin. It was arguably a wise move on all accounts.
But today, the diplomatic ties between different countries are teetering on the edge, credited to the Ukraine war.
The countries that once sided up with Russia have found a new abode in the US-led forces and vice versa. Similarly, many countries that espoused neutrality have also changed their line. Finland stands at the top among them.
Lured by the western cabals, Helsinki has finally applied for membership in the US-led military bloc that is NATO. So, in the last bit attempt to strengthen its borders, Finland has opened its doors to foreign forces, but well, everything seems disoriented for the Nordic country.
Read more: Russia check-mates Finland
If included in the NATO, it requires Finland to spend two percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. Simply saying Finland needs to increase its military budget. The military logistics and arsenals needed should be of NATO-held standards. The call is to invest massively but how?
A strategic dilemma
Helsinki moving forward with this deal will see a lowering in the standard of living of its citizens. The economic dictum goes like this, “If you need to produce more guns; you need to produce less bread and butter.” Finland will go hopelessly down under the table if such a condition arises minding the economic stability of the country.
Finland’s probable ascension into NATO is being intended as the consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But it is to be reminded that the special operation by Russia started only because Kremlin wanted its borders to be free from the shackles of NATO. Finland thus is soliciting another war and they are looking for Joseph Biden to back them, seriously!!
Deployment of military armaments near the Russian border will offer no other choice for kremlin apart from installing an automated defence system and in all certitude, nuclear measures will be geared up in no time. The distance between St Petersburg and Finland is just 400kms, so it means the Russian automatic missile defence system is likely to respond to the rockets launched by any country in a short time which shows that Finland is subscribing to a risk knowingly.
Furthermore, If Trump gets elected back in 2024, he will dump NATO altogether. If happened, it finishes the life story of Finland and it will be in the annals of history as a biddable country that blindly followed the dictums proposed by the United States.
