Finland and the strained relations between East and West

Finnish lawmakers are expected to consider the issue in the coming days. VOA’s Henry Ridgwell reports from the border between Russia and Finland that such a move would have serious implications for the region.

Colored stones on both sides of a small river mark the border between Russia and Finland. For decades, the two countries have had peaceful relations. But this border could soon become the dividing line between East and West – along geopolitical lines.

The border between Finland and Russia stretches about 1,300 kilometers, the vast majority between forests. If Finland joins NATO, this dividing line would become the longest border between the alliance and Russia, transforming the region.

Moscow has threatened what it calls a “military technical response” if Finland joins the alliance. There is a fear that the border may become a hotspot in the future.

In an interview with VOA, Charly Salonius-Pasternak of the Finnish Institute of International Relations raises questions about various scenarios from the Kremlin.

“Can Russia create a kind of frozen conflict, say in Georgia, to occupy a small part of Finland with the few forces it has left?” “Of course I can try it, but Finland is militarily prepared for that.”

There is currently no apparent military presence. At the main customs in Vaalimma, the appearance of any iron curtain is not noticed.

“We do not know how events will unfold, or the situation between our countries will change. “Currently the situation is calm and the border traffic is continuing without problems.” says for the Voice of America the Finnish border guard Jussi Pekkala.

When Russia launched its aggression against Ukraine, there was a brief increase in crossings at the border. It was a wave of people leaving Russia

Currently cross-border traffic is operating at a rate of 10% of normal levels. The Russian Sputnik vaccine is not approved in Europe, so most Russians cannot enter Finland. Finland’s aspirations to join NATO could also reduce the number of visitors.

The drop in traffic has hurt the regional economy. Border shopping malls have turned into ghost towns. Prior to the pandemic, some 2 million Russians visited Finland each year. The shores of Lake Saimaa were an important destination for Russian visitors.

“We are used to cooperating with the Russians. More than 3,000 Russian speakers live here. About 2 million Russians come to the area each year. Now there are few who come. “According to estimates, we are losing about one million euros a day because of the situation.” says for VOA Kimmo Jarva, mayor of Lappeenranta.

But what can happen at this border depends largely on Russia’s response to Finland’s NATO aspirations. The deepening of the rapid cooling between East and West is being felt widely on this border line./VOA