Finland is alleged to be planning for military conflict by a previous head of the Kremlin.

In a controversial column published by the Russian state news agency TASS, former President Dmitri Medvedev has accused Finland of pursuing a confrontational course against Russia and preparing for a potential war. The article, titled "Finland's new doctrine: Stupidity, Lies, Ingratitude," has sparked a renewed debate over historical reparations and Finland's decision to join NATO.

According to Medvedev, Finland's new military structures in Lapland, near the Russian border, are a violation of old agreements and a threat to Russia's security. He estimates the actual damages caused by Finland during World War II to be 20 trillion rubles (around €220 billion).

It is important to note that there is no evidence or credible information that the German Finance Ministry has planned or allocated funds for rebuilding damages caused by Finland to Russia during World War II. Reparations issues discussed in recent German politics mainly concern Poland, not Finland or Russia.

Medvedev's accusations come after Finland joined NATO in response to the start of the war in Ukraine, alongside Sweden. Moscow views Finland's security aspirations following Russia's attack on Ukraine as a display of ingratitude. The 1947 peace treaty, which limited Soviet reparations claims, is no longer considered binding by Moscow, according to Medvedev's column.

Finland participated in the war against the Soviet Union in 1941, on the side of Hitler's Germany. The Winter War of 1939, initiated by the Soviet Union, is rarely discussed in Russian historiography, as is the annexation of large parts of Finland by Moscow at the time.

Medvedev, who is still influential as the deputy head of the national security council in Russia, implies that Finland, like Germany, bears responsibility for World War II. He also expresses anger about Finland's decision to join NATO, stating that NATO has declared Russia as an enemy.

However, it's crucial to approach these claims with a critical eye. Reparations discussions should be based on factual evidence and official sources, not unsubstantiated accusations. It's essential for international relations to be built on trust and mutual understanding, rather than on historical grievances.