Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen discussed Finland’s potential accession to NATO, the threats posed by Russia, and the controversy surrounding a defense deal with Israel.
As Finland, the easternmost member of the European Union, considers joining NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, new challenges have emerged. These include heightened Russian espionage, cyberattacks, and the possibility of election interference, as well as a surge of asylum seekers reportedly directed by Russia, which has strained stability in the region.
In the midst of these tensions, Finland’s $345 million defense deal with Israel has sparked debate, with many questioning its compatibility with Finland’s stance on Gaza.