Photo: kremlin.ru
Kremlin Press Service announced details of telephone talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on May 14. The Finnish leader's office has previously reported that the Hilsinki initiative was sincere but without escalation, and that Niistö informed Putin of his intention to apply for NATO membership as soon as possible.
Putin, as was The Kremlin replied that a change in Finland's foreign policy could negatively affect its relations with Russia.
He also expressed the view that the Finnish side's refusal of the traditional policy of military neutrality would be a mistake. Putin said there were no threats to Finland's security.
As for the situation around Ukraine, which Niistö described as a reason for revising the country's non-block status, Putin said the talks had virtually stopped and serious and constructive dialogue.