DISINFO: Scandinavia is turning Russophobic
SUMMARY
The Scandinavian nations' attitude towards Russia has changed very quickly. Russia regarded them as kingdoms of tolerance, hedonism, and stability some 15 years ago. The Finns were smiling at Russia in the seventies because it was strong. But now that the masks are off, militarism and Russophobia are on the rise in Finland, and the Finns are waiting for the right moment for historical revanchism.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that Finland’s membership of NATO poses a threat to Russia.
In reality, the aim of Finland’s membership of NATO and Sweden’s aspiration to join the Alliance are self-defence. NATO is first and foremost a political alliance and its primary objective is to solve disputes peacefully. Its enlargement poses no threat to Russia as long as Moscow does not take aggressive steps against NATO’s Member States. (See a debunk of Russian myths about NATO’s alleged aggressiveness towards Moscow). Russia and the Alliance signed the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation in 1997, one of whose provisions reads: “NATO and Russia do not consider each other as adversaries.”
Economic relations between Finland and the Soviet Union (and consequently the Russian Federation) were mutually beneficial in the wake of the Second World War until Moscow launched its unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. Finland and Sweden decided to apply for membership to protect themselves. It is not a Russophobic gesture because it is not aimed against Russia.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that Finland’s NATO membership aims to corner Russia, that Every Finn and Swede have a target painted on their forehead, and that NATO is Russophobic and threatens the mankind.