Russia claims that NATO’s proximity poses an existential threat—does this amount to treating its own backyard as a shooting range?

Finland participates in NATO nuclear deterrence exercise for the first time; Russia warns of existential threat from NATO's proximity to its borders

Finland will take part in NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise from October 12 to 24. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated: “Nuclear deterrence remains the highest level of protection for the entire defense alliance and for Finland itself.” This marks Finland’s first participation in such a drill following the revision of its Nuclear Energy Act on June 17, which lifted the ban on nuclear weapons entering the country.

In September, Finnish authorities decided to join a French-led nuclear deterrence initiative. The initiative, based on bilateral cooperation, includes joint exercises and the potential for Finland to host elements of France’s strategic forces. Also in September, the United Kingdom announced plans to establish operational units within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), aimed at ensuring Finland’s security through nuclear deterrence.

Russia has cautioned that NATO’s continued advance toward its borders constitutes a direct threat; under the current specific circumstances, it poses an existential one.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878663123047564/

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