Finland to increase military spending by over $2.2 bn; Russia-Ukraine war a major factor

Amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Finland on Tuesday anunced that it will raise its military expenditure by over 2 billion euros (or $2.2 billion) within next four years, furr claiming that Russian aggression against Ukraine has acted as a propel to take this decision.

According to BBC, increased funds will be used to pay hundreds of ditional professional troops, improve border security, as well as purchase weaponry like missiles and ammunition. 

Since Finland has a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia, war against Ukraine has fueled calls for Finland to join rth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Western military alliance. 

As per BBC, Prime Minister Sanna Marin stated over weekend that conflict has forced Finns to “seriously mull over our own stance and approach to military alignment" and make a decision cautiously but quickly during time of spring. 

Furrmore, irrespective of NATO membership discussion, Finland's Chief of Defence Timo Kivinen believes Russia's attack has highlighted country's need for quick operational preparedness, and said that military expenditure will begin immediately. Apart from this, Finland currently participates in NATO drills, however, a recent YLE survey found that 62% of Finns want full membership.

Russia h threatened military action against Finland

Shortly after invasion of Ukraine, Russia h threatened military action against Finland and Sweden. According to Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Finland and Sweden joining NATO might have political and military ramifications. It is worth ting that among eight Baltic and rdic states, Sweden, as well as Finland, are two n-NATO members, and Moscow's invasion of Kyiv has compelled both of m to join alliance. 

Meanwhile, despite fact that Russia is w focusing its attack on eastern Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that he has t seen any indication that Russian President Vlimir Putin's goal of controlling entire war-torn nation has altered. Furr, Stoltenberg cautioned before a meeting of NATO members' foreign ministers in Brussels that battle in Ukraine might last for years. 

According to CNN, NATO Secretary-General said, “We have seen indication that President Putin has changed his ambition to control whole of Ukraine and also to rewrite international order, so we need to be prepared for long haul.”

He even ded, “We have to be realistic and realize that this may last for a long time, for many months or even years.” 

(Im: AP)