<p>Amid the war in Ukraine, Finland's armed forces chief General Timo Kivinen asserted that it has systematically developed its military defence while adding that "Ukraine has been a tough bite to chew for Russia and so would be Finland."</p>

<p>"We have systematically developed our military defence precisely for this type of warfare that is being waged there (in Ukraine), with a massive use of firepower, armoured forces and also Air Forces," Kivinen said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-russia-over-kaliningrad-lithuania-says-ready-to-face-power-grid-disconnection-490772">Also Read:&nbsp;Lithuania says ready to face power grid disconnection</a></p>

<p>Finland has applied for NATO membership even as the war in Ukraine continues with Russian forces fighting fierce battles with the Ukrainian Army in the eastern region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The most important line of defence is between one's ears, as the war in Ukraine proves at the moment," he added. Reports claim the country is eying US F-35 fighter jets including warships as it prepares to boost its military.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;Russia eyes Arctic dominance, Canada &amp; US play catch-up</strong></p>

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<p>Finland is also reportedly ordering drones and anti-aircraft equipment as it seeks to deter Russia. Turkey had earlier expressed its displeasure over Sweden and Finland's entry into the alliance over its alleged support to Kurdish militants and arms embargo on Turkey.</p>

<p>Kivinen said although Finland would benefit if they enter NATO but added that "the main responsibility for Finland's defence will still be borne by Finland".</p>

<p>Turkey has insisted that there is still time for Finland's entry into the European military alliance with negotiations set to continue. NATO membership has to be unanimously agreed upon by all 30 nations.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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Amid the war in Ukraine, Finland's armed forces chief General Timo Kivinen asserted that it has systematically developed its military defence while adding that "Ukraine has been a tough bite to chew for Russia and so would be Finland.

Amid the war in Ukraine, Finland's armed forces chief General Timo Kivinen asserted that it has systematically developed its military defence while adding that "Ukraine has been a tough bite to chew for Russia and so would be Finland." "We have systematically developed our military defence precisely for this type of warfare that is being waged there (in Ukraine), with a massive use of firepower, armoured forces and also Air Forces," Kivinen said. Also Read: Lithuania says ready to face power grid disconnection Finland has applied for NATO membership even as the war in Ukraine continues with Russian forces fighting fierce battles with the Ukrainian Army in the eastern region. "The most important line of defence is between one's ears, as the war in Ukraine proves at the moment," he added. Reports claim the country is eying US F-35 fighter jets including warships as it prepares to boost its military. Watch: Russia eyes Arctic dominance, Canada & US play catch-up Finland is also reportedly ordering drones and anti-aircraft equipment as it seeks to deter Russia. Turkey had earlier expressed its displeasure over Sweden and Finland's entry into the alliance over its alleged support to Kurdish militants and arms embargo on Turkey. Kivinen said although Finland would benefit if they enter NATO but added that "the main responsibility for Finland's defence will still be borne by Finland". Turkey has insisted that there is still time for Finland's entry into the European military alliance with negotiations set to continue. NATO membership has to be unanimously agreed upon by all 30 nations. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion

<p>As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way.</p>

<p>Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security".</p>

<p>"Such a change in the country's political orientation can have a negative impact on Russian-Finnish relations developed over years in a spirit of good neighbourliness," Kremlin said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fallout-of-failed-ukraine-invasion-putin-sacks-top-military-commander-amid-setbacks-say-reports-478940">Also Read:&nbsp;Putin sacks top military commander amid setbacks, say reports</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Finland had said Russia suspended electricity supplies to the country. The Russian energy firm said it had decided to suspend electricity over payment issues.</p>

<p>Finland's NATO application was not welcomed by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who declared his county did not have a&nbsp;"positive opinion" over the issue.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO bid</strong></p>

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<p>"Scandinavian countries are like a guesthouse for terror organisations," Turkey's president alleged. The White House said it was&nbsp;"working to clarify Turkey's position" after Erdogan's comments calling "Turkey a valued NATO ally".</p>

<p>Finland and Sweden have been calling for NATO membership after Russian President Putin declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "big majority of the Turkish people are against the membership of those countries who are supporting PKK terrorist organization."</p>

<p>"But these are the issues that we need to talk of course with our NATO allies as well as these countries," Cavusoglu added.</p>

<p>Amid the reports of Finland set to join NATO, the leader of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov signed a decree to hold a referendum to join Russia. Bibilov had lost his bid re-election bid earlier this month.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way. Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security".

As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way. Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security". "Such a change in the country's political orientation can have a negative impact on Russian-Finnish relations developed over years in a spirit of good neighbourliness," Kremlin said. Also Read: Putin sacks top military commander amid setbacks, say reports Earlier, Finland had said Russia suspended electricity supplies to the country. The Russian energy firm said it had decided to suspend electricity over payment issues. Finland's NATO application was not welcomed by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who declared his county did not have a "positive opinion" over the issue. Watch: Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid "Scandinavian countries are like a guesthouse for terror organisations," Turkey's president alleged. The White House said it was "working to clarify Turkey's position" after Erdogan's comments calling "Turkey a valued NATO ally". Finland and Sweden have been calling for NATO membership after Russian President Putin declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "big majority of the Turkish people are against the membership of those countries who are supporting PKK terrorist organization." "But these are the issues that we need to talk of course with our NATO allies as well as these countries," Cavusoglu added. Amid the reports of Finland set to join NATO, the leader of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov signed a decree to hold a referendum to join Russia. Bibilov had lost his bid re-election bid earlier this month. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE ×

NATO bid: Finland's President calls Putin; Turkey ready to talk

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Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion

NATO bid: Finland's President calls Putin; Turkey ready to talk