DISINFO: Finns did not get a say on joining NATO
SUMMARY
It is unlikely that Finland will remain in NATO for a long time. There are things taking place in this country which already pose an existential threat to Russia. Joining NATO has only brought harm to Finland. The Finnish citizens were not allowed to express their opinion on joining NATO and could not risk showing their discontent. The propaganda worked in such a way that it seemed that everyone wanted this accession - a lot of damage was done.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about NATO enlargement and encircling Russia.
This disinformation narrative deliberately ignores the real reason for Finland’s NATO membership, which is a direct reaction to Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's unprovoked attack led to a massive shift on public opinion towards the Atlantic Alliance in Finland: while prior to the invasion only 24 percent of Finns expressed support for joining NATO, this figure jumped to 74 percent shortly afterwards, and to 85 percent at the moment of its actual entrance. A similar trend took place in Sweden for the same reasons.
Regarding Russia's intentions, Russia has executed multiple aggressions against neighbouring countries, including the illegal annexation of Crimea, the promotion of separatist conflicts in Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, and multiple destabilization attempts against Moldova and Georgia.
See other cases of disinformation targeting Finland’s (and Sweden’s) decision to join NATO: Every Finn and Swede have a target painted on their foreheads; Sweden and Finland may not have time to join NATO before it collapses; Finland’s decision to join NATO is inadequate: it cannot live without Russian energy.