The Russian authorities seem to be conducting a coordinated by the Kremlin campaign to threaten Finland, a member of NATO, in the same way they did before Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the Institute of War Study (ISW) warned.

The assessment reflects the widespread concerns of the West that Russia has ambitions beyond Ukraine and could someday try to occupy territories from NATO member, if it considers that the alliance is not prepared or capable of complying with its obligation to comply with its collective defense.

Russia denies that it has such territorial ambitions in the former Soviet sphere of influence or seeking conflict with NATO. However, the Kremlin has stated that NATO is “in war” with Russia because of its significant aid to Ukraine, which continues to repel Russian invasion, Newsweek notes.

“High -ranking Kremlin officials have stepped up the threats against Finland in recent weeks, using a language that reflects the false excuses of the Kremlin for its invasions in Ukraine,” said Think Tank Isw based in Washington.

ISW continues to estimate that the plan currently used by Russia to threaten NATO reflects the plan it has used in the past to create the conditions that justified its aggressive attitude towards Ukraine.

Finland to Russia’s target

The ISW pointed out recent statements about Finland made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, special envoy Sergei Ivanov and the first deputy chairman of the Duma International Affairs Committee, Alexei Toupa.

Lavrov had stated on September 18 that the “neutral showcase” of the Finnish government has “peeled” and that revanchism was “literally growing” in the country, which declared its independence from neighboring Russia in 1917.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the increased threat of Moscow’s expansion, had also repelled a Soviet Union invasion in 1939.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deputy, Dmitry Medvedev’s deputy, has recently accused Finland of preparing to attack Russia after joining NATO.

NATO binds its allies, in accordance with Article 5 of its Treaty, to collective defense in the event of an armed attack on any of its members.

Estonia accuses Russia for breach of airspace

On Friday, Estonia accused Russia of violating its airspace over the Gulf of Finland with three fighter aircraft, which remained in the area for 12 minutes before leaving.

“Russia has already violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which in itself is unacceptable. However, today’s invasion, involving three fighter aircraft that stormed our airspace, is unprecedented brazenness, “said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

“The increasingly extensive test of boundaries and Russia’s growing aggression must be addressed with a rapid increase in political and economic pressure,” he added.

The Russian government did not immediately respond to the category. He has stated in the past that allegations of infringement of the airspace of NATO allies by Russian aircraft and drones are deprived of evidence.

Violation of Poland and Romania airspace

Prior to the most recent incidents, Poland’s breach of Russian drones had been preceded.

Polish and Allied aircraft were activated early on Wednesday, September 10, to ensure the safety of the Poland’s airspace, following the Ukrainian Air Force warning that Russian unmanned aircraft entered Poland’s airspace.

The Business Administration of the Polish General Staff of Poland in a post on X said that the country’s fighter fighters and allies have been abducted to guarantee the safety of the airspace.

Poland’s armed forces used weapons to break unmanned aerial vehicles in the midst of repeated violations of its airspace during Russia’s raid on Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

On September 13, Romania announced that its airspace was violated by drones during a Russian attack on infrastructure in Ukraine.