A Russian State TV presenter took a jab at Finland’s recent NATO border checks on none other than Santa Claus. The mocking remarks come in the midst of escalating tensions between Finland and Russia after the former signed a military cooperation agreement with the United States.
Showing a video depicting Santa Claus being checked at Finland border by NATO officials, the Russian TV presenter said: “You guys are getting yourselves into this.
“We’re not going in there. You guys are dragging yourselves in.” The mocking continued, focusing on a video featuring Santa Claus, with the presenter questioning the uproar caused by NATO military checks on Santa’s ID. The incident has sparked what the presenter referred to as an “international scandal.”
“Santa’s ID! And it says the North Pole, but all Finns know he doesn’t live at the North Pole. He lives in Lapland. And they’re having an international scandal over it. Do you think it’s normal?” the presenter exclaimed.
The mocking commentary comes on the heels of Finland signing a new military cooperation agreement with the United States, granting broad access to the area of Finland’s long border with Russia. Moscow responded by summoning the Finnish ambassador and expressing discontent, stating it would take necessary measures to counter what it deems as aggressive decisions by Finland and its NATO allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused NATO of dragging Finland into the bloc and announced the creation of a new military district near Finland’s border. The tensions have been building since Finland joined NATO earlier this year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In response to Russia’s allegations, Finland has accused Russia of conducting a “hybrid operation” by channeling migrants towards its territory, prompting the temporary closure of all border crossings with its eastern neighbour.
The military agreement signed on Monday allows the United States rapid military access and aid to Finland in the event of conflict, as well as joint training of forces.
Despite the mocking tone from the Russian State TV presenter, Finland remains firm in its decision. Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasised, “We do not expect the United States to take care of the defence of Finland. We continue to invest in our defence and share the burden in our area and beyond. However, this agreement significantly enhances our ability to act together in all situations.”
The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, warned that Moscow would not ignore what she termed “NATO’s military buildup” on its borders, placing the responsibility for the escalating tensions squarely on the current Finnish authorities.
