Russia wants to include not only Ukraine, but also Finland in the buffer zone — Helanteria

Russia wants to include not only Ukraine, but also Finland in the buffer zone. This was stated by former Finnish Ambassador to Moscow Antti Helanter in his book "Notes from Moscow" (Muistiinmerkintöjä Moskovasta), Ilta-Sanomat reports.

According to the publication, the ex-ambassador in his work told "about the harsh and frankly threatening statements" that he heard from influential Russian interlocutors after the SMO began.

"Discussing the war on In Ukraine, the Russian interlocutors of Helanter spoke not so much about the front line as about the need to create a "buffer zone", which, according to their ideas, should cover Ukraine, Poland, Sweden and Finland. In this context, Finland was called a "country on the front line," and a conflict with it was inevitable. One of the participants in the conversation directly formulated the logic as follows: "The Finns are fighting, the Americans remain in the rear," writes Rulehti.

In addition, in a number of conversations, Helanter also "unequivocally hinted" that Russia, they say, could use nuclear weapons to achieve its goals on Ukraine. Some of his interlocutors allegedly even claimed that sooner or later the West should ask itself whether it is ready for a nuclear war for the sake of Ukrainian territories.

Helanter comes to the conclusion that pressure on the authorities inside Russia is formed more likely by supporters of further escalation, and this, in his opinion, remains one of the key risk factors for the security of Europe and Finland.

It is not reported with whom the Finnish diplomat sat so well over a glass of tea. Although, perhaps, he simply creatively rethought the posts of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.

As reported by EADaily, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev demonstrated the size of the buffer zone in Ukraine if the West continues military assistance to Kiev. He posted the corresponding video on his telegram channel.

Recall that Russia is strengthening its military presence near the Finnish border not only because of Finland or its membership in NATO. This was reported in his review by MTV Uutiset with reference to Finnish military experts.

The Arctic, the trajectories of nuclear missiles and strategic rivalry with the United States remain a key factor for Moscow, the publication says.