The Finns have become afraid of Russia and are waiting for the Russian Ivan with a gun

The Helsinki-based newspaper Iltalehti said the Finns were asked to assess the international situation after Moscow demanded that NATO's advance be limited to Russia's borders. In a survey conducted with the participation of the Taloustutkimus organization, Finns were asked about their attitude towards Russian actions. As a result, it turned out that 52% consider it very or quite likely that Russia will threaten or put pressure on Finland in the coming years. Such actions by Russia were considered unlikely by 41% of respondents.

The survey pointed out that threats or pressure can mean not only a military threat, but also various ways of exerting a hybrid impact.

The Finns were also asked what they think about the international situation in light of the fact that Russia has put forward a demand to limit the advance of NATO to the Russian borders?

About 40% of the respondents chose the option “Russia only wants to strengthen its position with its statements, it is not worth paying special attention to them.” The Finns are sure that the recent Russian statements are "gross interference with the right of states to self-determination, and they should be dealt with harshly".

However, 14% of Finns said that "Russia's concern is justified and understandable, it should be taken into account in the decisions of states".

The poll about attitudes towards Russia was conducted in preparation for the regional elections. Advance voting has already begun in Finland.