Top Russian general criticizes Finnish-NATO cooperation

Russia

From YLE:  "Military cooperation between Russia and NATO is progressing well and is beneficial to both parties. In contrast, cooperation between Finland and NATO threatens Russia’s security. Finland should not be desirous of NATO membership, rather it should preferably have tighter military cooperation with Russia," said [Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Gen. Nikolai] Makarov.

Makarov accused Finland of supporting attempts by Georgian "revanchists" to retake South Ossetia and Abkhazia. He also questioned Finland’s right to hold military exercises on its own territory. 

From YLEFinland’s Defense Minister responds to Gen. Makarov

"Finland evaluates its relationship with NATO, in the manner laid out in the government’s programme, on the basis of its own national security and defence policy interests. This statement means that Finland makes its evaluations and decisions itself and independently," the Defence Minister [Stefan Wallin] stated in his message to Yle.  (photo: Getty)

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