Conflict in Ukraine has led to mass resignations from the Finnish army, according to Verkkouutiset.
After the Minister of Defense, Antti Kaikkonen, proposed a ban on leaving the reserve, more applications for transition to civilian service have become common practice.
The author of the article noted that “the conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has also contributed to an increase in the number of departures from the reserve.”
According to Mikko Reijonen, the head of the Alternative Civil Service Center, a record was set in 2022: 3,800 Finns left the reserve. This year, 1,700 applications have already been received, with 1,400 of them in February alone.
Earlier, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto stated that he does not plan to send military personnel to Ukraine. However, Helsinki did not rule out the possibility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using Finnish weapons to strike Russian territory.
On January 18, Finnish politician Alexander Stubb stated that his country could act as a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Stubb emphasized that international mandates, rather than bilateral relations, are needed to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Earlier in Finland, an illegal migrant who had crossed the border was arrested.