Russia 'has no right' to tell Finland what to do: Europe Minister Tytti Tuppurainen

Asked how much of a setback it is for Finland to have Sweden left out of NATO for now, Tuppurainen responds: "It was our priority to enter NATO together. We started this process hand in hand and Sweden is our closest partner. It would have benefited NATO the most to have us both entering simultaneously. But here we are, in a different situation. This was not our choice. And we have to be humble, as applicant states. But since it looks like Finland is going to be in NATO before Sweden, then of course Finland will try to help Sweden to also join as soon as possible."

Asked whether Finland would set up NATO infrastructure on its territory, which President Putin has said would have consequences, Tuppurainen says: "We do realise that being in NATO means having rights and obligations. We are ready to take care of the security of the whole region, not only of the high north or of our closest areas. Russia has no right to build any spheres of interest. It has no right to say to Finland what we should do. We will do what we will have to do, as an allied country."

On a related issue, the building of a fence on the 1,3040-kilometre border with Russia, Tuppurainen states: "I regret that we are in a situation where building fences is a necessity. This is a reality in today's world. I personally would prefer a world of peace and freedom of movement. But this is part of the response to the war in Ukraine. It was our border security officials, our border guards, who recommended to our government to build this fence. And we do our duty to increase security at the border, which is also a border of the European Union."

Tuppurainen also outlines Finland's plans to become the first carbon-negative country in Europe. "Our firm aim is to be