Finland in NATO. Genesis of the Current Situation and Prospects for its Evolution

Finland's accession to NATO defines a new configuration of the Baltic-Scandinavian macroregion of the entire complex pertaining to regional security issues in Europe. The article examines the evolution of Finland's position on the issue of joining NATO, as part of the general issue of Russian-Finnish relations. The authors agree with the thesis previously expressed in the literature that the attempt to link Finland's accession to NATO and to quit the model of “Finnish Russian-friendly neutrality” at the beginning of the Special Military Operation is untenable, since this process was prepared long before 2022. In particular, Finland had the status of a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner. The article underlines that Russia has always been interested in the existence of an independent, prosperous and free Finland as a factor of regional stability. Finland's accession to NATO violates international treaties between the USSR/Russia and the Republic of Finland, for instance, the Treaty between the Russian Federation and Finland on the Basic Principles of Relations (1992). Moreover, Finland's membership in the Alliance puts an end to bilateral dialogue. Finland's accession to NATO is perceived in Russia with sincere regret, because it undermines the positive attitude towards the Finns and disrupts the positive image of the Finnish people, which has developed among Russians over the past decades.