Sun, 12 Apr, 2015 12:07:52 AM Finland should review its defence preparedness: Lindberg FTimes – STT Report, April 12  Defence Forces commander, Jarmo Lindberg. File Photo – Lehtikuva. Commander of Finnish Defence Forces Jarmo Lindberg said military activities instigated by both Russia and NATO have increased near Finland’s borders during the ongoing Ukrainian crisis.
As a result of these actions, Finland has to review its own preparedness, Lindberg told the national broadcaster YLE during its Ykkösaamu (Morning Breakfast) programme on Saturday.
An op-ed text signed by five Nordic ministers outlining deepened defence cooperation among the Nordic countries published by the Norwegian daily Aftenposten on Friday has caused a stir as it directly referred to Russian activities as the reason behind the deepened collaboration.
When asked whether Russia posed a threat to Finland, Lindberg said Russia has not done anything towards Finland which would be regarded as an acute threat.
War ships of the NATO. File Photo – AFP / Lehtikuva. Lindberg said the deployment of Russian forces near the borders with Finland has not been a worrying development.
“In Russia, between St Petersburg and Kola there is no more than one military airbase and one equipment depot. And now this one base, which during the Soviet time had more than 5,000 soldiers, has less than 5,000 deployed,” said Lindberg, downplaying the troop deployment.
Lindberg believes it is necessary for the country to develop its intelligence system’s ability to provide warnings during crises.
The deepened defence collaboration among Nordic countries, according to Lindberg, does not entail anything new. He said the cooperation is a good and natural thing and will be carried forward according to the decisions reached politically.
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