Finland warns Russia is becoming ‘more aggressive’ with nuclear power threat
FINLAND is growing wary of Russia as it flexes its political muscle over the country’s nuclear power, a new report has revealed.
The Scandinavian country has identified a growing threat from its neighbour
The Scandinavian country has identified a growing threat from its neighbour after building the Fennovoima nuclear power project in collaboration with Russia.
Russian state-owned nuclear contractor Rosatom is a part-owner and main supplier of the plant.
Finns are concerned the country is trying to create “dependencies”, as it has done in several other nations.
The Finnish Intelligence Police's annual review recently claimed a key goal of Russia was to influence energy policy in the European country, and this was set to continue.
In response Finish officials have declared the country needs to prepare for an energy crisis.
A new report by the Finnish Institute for Foreign Affairs (FIIA) issued a stark warning against Moscow.
Finish officials have declared the country needs to prepare for an energy crisis
It said: "Russia's foreign policy goals have remained the same for a long period of time, but in recent years its means to achieve those goals have become more aggressive.
"The background of this change lies in the country's internal factors such as dependence on raw materials, structural economic problems and shortcomings in the rule of law."
Russian state-owned nuclear contractor Rosatom is a part-owner and main supplier of the plant
The FIIA report added: “Neighbouring an internally unpredictable Russia that creates international tensions, Finland needs first and foremost to invest in its own society’s resilience and in international cooperation.”
The report goes on to identify several risks Russia poses, and suggests Finland invest in various measures to ensure the country can withstand any shocks or jitters caused by the former Communist country.
War in Syria: Russia uses Iran airbase for the first time
In recent years its means to achieve those goals have become more aggressive
The FIIA reports concludes with several recommendation for Finnish policy makers, including avoiding any major investments with Russia.
Helsinki should maintain a bi-lateral relationship with Russia, but keep EU leaders in the loop, or risk alienating them.
Finns are concerned the country is trying to create “dependencies”
Taking a firm stand and showing Moscow it will not be cowed into submission was also a top priority, as was ensuring military co-operation with western partners.