"Anti-Semitism started World War II, Russophobia could start the third." Putin’s personal envoy Sergei Markov.HT: Barentsobserver
“Anti-Semitism started World War II, Russophobia could start the third. Finland is one of the most russiphobian countries in Europe, together with Sweden and the Baltic states,” says Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal envoy Sergei Markov, interviewed by Hufudstadsbladet this weekend.
The interview with Markov is made after Finland´s President Sauli Niinistö last week said a referendum would be required to change the country´s constitutionally neutral status before a possible NATO membership could be applied.
Finland is today, together with Sweden, members of NATO’s affiliate program known as the Partnership for Peace.
“Russia recommends Finland not to join NATO. That military alliance has lost its aim and goal and is therefore looking for new tasks. If Finland joins NATO it would weaken the security in Europe, not strengthen it,” says Sergei Markov in the interview.
Markov is closely working with Vladimir Putin on foreign policy affairs issues and serves as co-Chairman of the National Strategic Council of Russia.
His statement that a Finnish NATO membership could start World War III has made headlines across Finnish media this weekend.Read the full story here.
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