Chizhov: Finland's accession to NATO raises the question of the Aland Islands and the Saimaa Canal

On the air of the Russia 24 TV channel, the diplomat recalled that the Aland Islands have a demilitarized status under an international treaty.

As for the Saimaa Canal, built during the Russian Empire, Russia “actually leased to a neighboring state small strips of land along” the canal.

“Caring for the canal, its repair throughout the entire length is up to the Finnish side.

What will happen next with this - we need to see, ”TASS reports Chizhov’s words.

Earlier, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Chairman of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Arctic Council Nikolai Korchunov said that the entry of Sweden and Finland into the North Atlantic Alliance could make adjustments to the development of cooperation in the Arctic.

On May 18, the ambassadors of Sweden and Finland submitted applications for NATO membership to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.