Majority of Finnish lawmakers believe Russia poses growing threat

By Mehmet Alaca and Busra Selvi Ogutcen

ANKARA (AA) – The majority of Finnish parliamentarians believe that Russia is a growing security threat, Finland’s public broadcaster YLE said Wednesday.

In a poll conducted by YLE, it was noted that 72 out of 120 lawmakers interviewed said the threat from Russia has increased in recent months.

The vast majority of deputies representing the National Coalition Party, the Christian Democrats, the Greens and the Swedish People's Party believe Russia poses an increased security threat, according to the survey.

Representatives from the Center Party, the Left Union and the Social Democratic Party feel that the threat has not increased.

The poll revealed that members of the Real Finns Party are divided on the issue, with 13 believing that the threat has grown and 10 believing that it has not.

Noting that the threat is increasing, the majority of lawmakers consider that this is happening indirectly as a result of increased tensions in Europe.

Finland, which is not a NATO member, shares a long land border with Russia.

NATO rejected Russia's demands last week to withdraw its troops and weapons from Eastern Europe and halt Ukraine's integration, urging Moscow to focus on diplomatic engagement and the start of arms control negotiations.

The US and its European allies have been warning that Russia is setting the stage for an invasion of Ukraine by positioning over 100,000 troops on its border with the former Soviet republic, along with significant artillery and tank deployments.

Moscow has denied the claims, saying its troops are there for regular exercises.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Merve Berker