“Russians were gathering troops near our border.” The Finnish general does not rule out the attack
General VESA VIRTANEN: We observe the Russians gathering troops near our border. Four brigades of about 20 thousand were stationed there before the Russian invasion. soldiers who are currently enlarged to the division. We assume that around 80,000 will be stationed here. Russian soldiers.
Thanks to our intelligence services, we have always had a good picture of the situation abroad. We know even more since joining NATO in 2023.
What do the Russians intend to do on the border with Finland? Do you expect an attack soon?
NO. These are places where soldiers are trained, who will then be sent to war in Ukraine. I think that the attack on Finland is unlikely, although this cannot be ruled out. The Russians have always stationed troops near our border. From a military point of view, it is understandable that they are now strengthening their strength.
Why would they strengthen them if they allegedly do not plan an attack?
On the one hand, they want to secure the border. Our common border is now also the NATO border. On the other hand, they want to be prepared to fight if something happened.
Would you be ready if there was an attack?
We have always been ready. We have been living in the shadow of the east for years. It is also a reason why compulsory military service has not been abolished with us. Other European countries, which 20 years ago followed the overall trend and lifted the obligatory military service, then called us “the last Mohicans”.
Finnish soldiers during the Mighty Arrow (Powerful Strzał) armed exercises at the Pohjankankangas, Niinisalo, Finland shooting training ground, April 29, 2025.
Several European government representatives warn of Russia's attack on Europe over the next few years. Do you share this opinion?
Does this still apply after how Donald Trump erected a new ultimatum on conversationsa The former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warns against war between Russia and the USA?
Yes. Words should be distinguished from specific actions.
How long will the war last in Ukraine?
This cannot be estimated. The only thing that is certain for me is the fact that Western countries must stop the attack on Ukraine as soon as possible.
How?
There is currently no military solution. You need to find a political solution.
How do you assess the Russian army after more than three years of war?
At first she made mistakes, but drew conclusions from them. Wars are a continuous learning process. The next war will be different again.
What did you learn from the war in Ukraine yourself?
Should Western countries provide Ukraine with a weapon, thanks to which it will be able to attack the goals in Moscow?
This is a political decision.
What is your opinion?
If I think militarily, yes. The better and more effective the weapon, the better you can defend yourself against the attack. At the same time, the conflict should be prevented.
Finland has been a NATO member for two years. Have you still trusted the alliance since Trump became the US president?
I do not see any changes in cooperation with the management of the American armed forces. Our cooperation with the USA is perfect.
Can Finland become a place of nuclear weapon distribution?
There is no way.
Finland withdrew from the convention on the prohibition of the use of anti -personnel mineswhich was criticized. Why?
We have to look in the eyes. We see how Russia uses its infantry in Ukraine and set up faces. Because we are a small country with a long limit with Russia, we must have the same possibilities.
Finland, like Switzerland, decided on an American F-35 aircraft and ordered 64 copies. Will Finland also have to suddenly pay a much higher price?
Of course, there are still some changes because the currency exchange rate changes or it is more difficult to get some materials. But we do not have such a discussion about costs as in Switzerland.
Would you choose this model again?
Bright. F-35 is the best of the best. From next year they will begin to deliver them, and by 2030 the old f/A-18 will be replaced.
Will Finland and Switzerland continue to cooperate in the field of aircraft maintenance as in the case of F/A-18?
I think that continuing this cooperation is a good idea. The exchange of experiences and cooperation between the armies using the same equipment is a beneficial situation for everyone.
The Swiss army is in crisis due to unsuccessful purchases and bad management. What impression does the Swiss army have on the Lord as a boss of ready -to -fight armed forces?
I think every country has its own history and structure. Our situation is different than in Switzerland: the awareness that we have already been caught up in war with Russia several times, we are given to us, FINOM, passed together with mother's milk.
