"It may be special that we live in peaceful times without fear of anything. Our parents and grandparents' generation could not enjoy this luxury."
Russia to Ukraine It is a word that Finnish citizens muttered after the military invasion.
The border with Russia is about 1300 km, which is about the same length as the straight line distance between Sapporo and Fukuoka.
In the Nordic countries, which have been threatened by Russia, there is now active debate as to whether they should continue to be military-neutral.
why is it?
What is the relationship between Finland and Russia?
Finland has a population of about 5.5 million, while Russia has more than 140 million.
The history of Finland was also the history of exploring how to face the great powers of neighboring countries and survive as an independent nation.
Independence from Russia was achieved in 1917, but in the subsequent World War II, it was invaded by the Soviet Union at that time.
This is the reason why it has been repeated in the invasion of Ukraine, which threatens the security of our country
.
Finland defended its independence at the cost of many sacrifices in these two battles, called the "Winter War" and the "Continuation War."
After the war, we will take a neutral policy while accepting some influence from the Soviet Union between the eastern and western camps.
It joined the EU after the end of the Cold War, but not the military alliance NATO.
Finland has always been very careful not to inspire Moscow.
Policy change due to Ukrainian military invasion?
What has been strengthened in Finland following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine is its support for NATO membership.
In a poll conducted around February 24, when the military invasion began, "support for membership" was 53%, exceeding half for the first time.
In late February, Prime Minister Marin announced that he would "provide Ukraine with rifles and anti-tank weapons."
He changed the long-standing military neutrality of "not providing weapons to conflicting nations."
Janne Kuusela, head of policymaking at the Finnish Department of Defense, explained why.
(Mr. Janne Kuusela, Ministry of Defense of Finland)
"If Finland applies for NATO membership in the future, it is due to Russia's own actions. What we can do now is to act like any other EU country. NATO will help us in the future when Finland is in a difficult situation. "
A study conducted March 9-11 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine showed that NATO accession was 62. Reached%.
What is the perception of the citizens?
Helsinki citizens
affirmed their accession to NATO,
saying,
"Russia is a threat and will continue to be a threat."
I heard a voice that caught my eye.
Until now, NATO has been said to have been strongly negatively regarded as a military alliance, but it seems that there are widespread views that member states are united in defending Russia.
On the other hand,
"Given the history of the invasion and the reality of long borders, we should be careful about our actions."
"In all aspects of the economy and society, we have a connection with Russia as a neighbor.
Some people have mixed feelings that
it is difficult to change relationships at once .
With the growing sense of caution about Russia, more and more people are trying to prepare themselves for emergencies.
The number of people who want to participate in "defense training" conducted by an affiliated organization of the Ministry of Defense has increased sharply.
When I visited the shooting training venue, which is said to be the most popular, various people, from young people to elderly people, were aiming at targets with guns.
Finland has a conscription system, and many used to handle guns with familiar hands.
A man who participated in such training for the first time in 30 years said, "I wanted to think about the current tense situation and confirm the skills I had learned."
How does Russia react?
Russia is nervous about the growing debate over NATO accession in Finland.
With Finland joining, Russia will border NATO and the so-called "buffer zone" will disappear.
On February 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Zaharova strongly restrained, saying, "If Finland and others join NATO, we need to respond militarily and politically."
Even in March, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official told a Russian news agency, "If you join NATO, that relationship will change. You will need to take retaliation measures." Is emphasized.
Do you really break away from "neutral"?
The Finnish government will summarize the current state of security in April, and it is expected that discussions will be held in parliament, including accession to NATO.
Joining NATO means a complete break from military neutrality.
Finnish Parliament Atte Harjanne
"We are at a historic turning point in how we should act in the face of dramatic changes in security. We must find the answer ourselves.
▽ Mr. Janne Kusera, Head of Policy, Ministry of Defense of Finland
"
This is the first uncertain situation in my career so far. What kind of Europe will it be in the future, what kind of Russia will I face as a neighbor?" Should it be? History will show if 2022 will be a turning point. ”
Finland remains neutral but maintains a recruitment system, with defense spending rising to nearly 2% of GDP over the last few years. increase.
A democratic nation and "if you are well prepared, you cannot easily attack Russia or any country" -that is the lesson that Finland has learned.
Finland is considered to be the "happiest country in the world".
Behind the scenes is the anguish and determination to face the great power Russia.
▼ London Branch, Mari Mukai (Helsinki, Finland)