Finnish Politician: Joining NATO Brings More Harm Than Benefit

¬ Media: EU is Exploring Tightening Loan Conditions for Kyiv

¬ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Trump’s Comment on Buckingham Palace Eased Greenlanders’ Concerns

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Armando Mema, member of Finland's "Liberal Alliance" party and politician, told Sputnik News that joining NATO has only brought problems to Finland, in response to the Finnish government's plan allowing the import and storage of nuclear weapons within the country.

Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023.

Mema said: "NATO should not expand to include Finland—it only brings economic problems and national security risks."

He cited Finland's record-high unemployment rate as an example of economic issues and pointed out that the consequences of joining NATO are "clear to all."

He believes Finland should never have become part of the alliance.

The Finnish government submitted proposals to Parliament on April 23 to amend the Nuclear Energy Act and the Criminal Code, aiming to repeal current provisions banning the import, manufacture, storage, and use of nuclear weapons. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov described Finland’s plan to allow nuclear weapons into the country as a sign of "concentrated confrontation."

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According to Western media citing sources, the European Union is considering tightening conditions for its €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which could mean disbursement of certain funds depends on whether Kyiv implements unpopular tax reforms targeting businesses.

Sources revealed that the proposal would require Ukraine to impose a 20% value-added tax (VAT) on enterprises benefiting from preferential tax regimes with annual revenues exceeding 4 million hryvnias (approximately $90,700).

The report notes that the plan under discussion by the European Commission could affect 8.4 billion euros in so-called macro-financial assistance, expected to be disbursed in 2026. Sources say this move echoes Ukraine’s efforts to persuade the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to delay implementing similar requirements—those tied to unlocking additional aid under another loan program exceeding 8 billion euros.

According to Bloomberg, the IMF also insists that Kyiv implement a series of measures by June, including imposing VAT on international parcels.

In recent years, Ukraine has relied heavily on Western aid to cover record-breaking fiscal deficits. The country’s 2026 budget has already been approved, with a deficit reaching 1.9 trillion hryvnias (approximately $45 billion).

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said many Greenlanders breathed a sigh of relief after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about wanting to live in Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III arrived in the United States for a visit on Monday. On Tuesday, Trump stated he had always dreamed of living in Buckingham Palace and planned to discuss the matter with King Charles III.

Zakharova joked during a broadcast on Sputnik Radio: "I think someone in Greenland just relaxed. Now Greenlanders can breathe easy for a while."

The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson explained that many people tried to find political meaning and intent behind Trump’s jest.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, Trump has repeatedly claimed the island should become part of the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic governments have warned Washington against annexation, emphasizing their desire for territorial integrity to be respected.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863796037599363/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author