Russia’s actions on the Crimean peninsula are changing the status of Finland’s security policy, says Aaltola, as Finland could become a neighbouring country through which Russia can implement its operations if it feels they are justified.
“Finland should stand firm in relation to where Russia’s legitimate interests end. This boundary has clearly been crossed in Ukraine. Russia should not be doing what it is doing there,” says Aaltola, who is in charge of the Global Security research programme at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.
“[Russia’s actions] should be strongly condemned and it must be shown that Finland is ready to secure its own interests, if the need arises.”
“The world is no longer the same”
Aaltola feels Russia’s actions in the Crimean peninsula are ill-suited to Europe’s vision of interdependence and common guiding principles.
“Russia is trying its limits with regard to its activities and the pursuit of its own interests on the old traditional map. And Finland is Russia’s neighbouring country. In a way, like Ukraine, it is one of Russia’s bordering countries where development has been allowed to continue.”
"The world is no longer the same if Russia continues along this road it has chosen,” says Aaltola. He stresses that Finland must maintain good relations with Russia so it can stay aware of what is happening there.
“The US will grow tired of Russia"
US President Barack Obama has demanded that Russia pull its forces back to its military bases in the Crimean peninsula. He has also threatened Russia with political and economic isolation if the crisis comes to a head.
Mika Aaltola believes that the US will seek to demote Russia’s international status and exclude it from the international arena in forums such as the Syrian peace talks.
“Here too, Russia has been a very irresponsible superpower. The United States is bound to grow tired of it eventually. Although it is likely that the US will take no direct military action, if the situation develops into a wider conflict, the US is sure to provide material and financial assistance to Ukraine,” says Aaltola.
Aaltola feels the US and Russia are now the key players in resolving the crisis. Ukraine may contribute to either exacerbate or mitigate the situation, but according to Aaltola, in the end, a compromise between the two great powers is what is in question.
“Hopefully the crisis will end next week. The longer it progresses, the more serious it becomes. Soon we can talk about months and then years of potential aftermath. We are all waiting for Russia to come to its senses,” said Aaltola, who was interviewed today on Radio Suomi.
