Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, argues Finnish defense minister

Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine and Moscow is seeking to restore at least the spheres of influence it held during the Soviet era, Finland's defense minister said Monday, according to public broadcaster Yle. 'Russia's imperial ambitions will not end with Ukraine,' said Antti Hakkanen, referring to the war that began in 2022 and is now in its fifth year. Hakkanen described the Russian threat as long-term and unpredictable, saying Finland must respond calmly but firmly and decisively. 'The time to strengthen Finland's national defense is now,' he said. He added that the impact of increased defense spending in Europe would only become visible in practice in the 2030s. Finland is also investing in counter-drone capabilities with its neighbor Sweden. Hakkanen described the cooperation as 'a significant and historic step' toward closer Finnish-Swedish defense ties and said it showed Nordic countries are taking greater responsibility for their own defense. At 1,343 kilometers (834 miles), Finland has the longest border of any NATO member state with Russia. On Monday, Finland announced the completion of a 200-kilometer (124-mile) barrier along its border with Russia. The fence is designed to prevent unauthorized entry and was built after thousands of asylum seekers crossed the border in 2023, prompting Finland to close its eastern border crossings. The Finnish government continues to consider it possible that the threat of instrumentalized migration could return. The border fence project cost €356 million ($416 million), with annual maintenance expected to cost a further €1.5 million ($1.8 million). The Soviet Union invaded Finland in November 1939. The Winter War, as it is known, lasted for over three months and despite heavy losses, the USSR won.