Patrushev pointed to Finland's transformation into a springboard for aggression against the Russian Federation

Finland is turning into a springboard for potential aggression against Russia, as it was in 1939, but now under the auspices of NATO. This statement was made by Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Maritime Board, in an interview with the National Defense magazine published on March 13.

This day marks the 85th anniversary of the end of the Soviet-Finnish war.

"Today we see a similar situation — the territory of Finland is once again turning into a springboard for potential aggression against Russia, now under the auspices of NATO," he said.

The presidential aide noted that there are parallels between the current situation and the events that led to the outbreak of the Soviet-Finnish war. According to him, the causes of the 1939-1940 conflict are being deliberately distorted in Finland today.

"They do not say that ultranationalist forces in Finland demanded the creation of a "Great Finland," an aggressive propaganda policy was pursued to seize Soviet lands, and active militarization was carried out," he explained.

In turn, the leadership of the USSR, on the eve of the Soviet-Finnish war, took all possible diplomatic steps for a peaceful settlement, Patrushev continued.

"However, Finland rejected all peace proposals, while increasing its military potential, which posed a real threat to the security of the USSR and, in particular, the vital activity of Leningrad," he stated.

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Earlier, on March 4, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said that the worst outcome for the country would be if the United States lifted sanctions and began cooperating with Russia. She also added that Finland's defense plans currently rely on the capabilities of the allies.