Neutral Finland has no good reason to start provoking Russia

WHEN will Western countries and their allies ever learn? Finland is mooting plans to join Nato right in the middle of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ostensibly on the basis that it fears for its security in that Russia might attack it.

This is improbable. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is because of the fear that Nato’s further expansion threatens its security. Finland has been neutral since the end of the World War, for 77 years, and has been a shining example of a sensible state.

Finland is economically dependent on Russia, so why should it want to pursue such a foolhardy policy and who is encouraging it?

And comparing Ukraine and Finland is nonsensical. What Russia feels toward Ukraine which, under the Soviet Union, was one its republics cannot be equated to Finland which has always been independent of the Soviet Union/Russia. The West is cheering this Finnish blunder.

Vladimir Putin remains a threat to world peace if rationality is not used in dealing with him. Recognising this fact is not – as it has been crassly imputed in the West – support for Putin and his polices. The reality is that Russia is capable of starting World War III with unimaginable nuclear consequences.

The Finns are digging a hole for themselves. Ukraine’s allies imposed ineffective sanctions. Ukrainians are dying and Western citizens are safely ensconced in their countries.

Dealing with reality is not cowardice but wisdom. If the West does not want to recognise this and compromise, it is leading us all to global Armageddon.