Łukašenka accuses Finland of departure from neutrality

December 6, BPN. Finland achieved “impressive successes” in the social, economic, scientific and technical fields through its “commitment to neutrality,” says Alaksandr Łukašenka’s message of greetings to the Finnish people on the occasion of Independence Day.

“We very much regret to see official Helsinki departing from this policy on far-fetched grounds, which has already had a very negative impact on the quality of life of the Finnish people,” he says in apparent reference to the country’s NATO membership bid.

He claims that Belarus remains a reliable partner and a “donor of stability” in the region which has never caused problems to its neighbors.

“I am confident that despite the political climate, the peoples of the two countries will be able to maintain peace,” reads the message, quoted by Łukašenka’s press office. “Belarus remains interested in the resumption of an equal political dialogue with Finland, trade and economic cooperation, expansion of scientific and humanitarian contacts.”

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine prompted Finland and Sweden, which had long maintained military neutrality, to join the North Atlantic alliance.