Russia criticises Finland's information package for volunteer fighters in Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine rages on, some Finnish citizens are considering taking up arms to support Kyiv. In response, Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published an online guide detailing the legal, personal, and safety risks of joining Ukraine's armed forces.

The document, released on February 3, provides crucial advice on contracts, potential injuries, death, and the possibility of being taken as a prisoner of war. While the Finnish government does not encourage its citizens to enlist, it acknowledges their right to do so and aims to ensure they make informed decisions.

Russia, however, has reacted with outrage. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Finland of recklessness, claiming the advisory demonstrated a disregard for its own people. She suggested that Finnish officials were driven by hostility rather than responsibility, portraying the guidelines as an irresponsible move amid an ongoing war.

The Finnish government has not yet responded to the criticism, but the debate raises larger questions about the role of foreign volunteers in conflicts. Should governments take a hands-off approach, or do citizens deserve official guidance when making such life-altering decisions?