FACT CHECK: Did Finland Intervene In The Russian-Ukrainian Conflict?
A video shared on Facebook claims Finland has begun intervention in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Verdict: Misleading
Finland has not intervened in the conflict. Finland has pledged to send Leopard 2 mine-clearing tanks to Ukraine.
Fact Check:
Finland applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, according to Al Jazeera. Turkey and Hungary, one of the few countries who had yet to approve of Finland’s ascension to NATO, voted to support adding the country to the alliance, Politico reported.
The Facebook video, viewed more than 9,400 times, claims Finland has “liberated Ukraine.” The video’s caption reads, “Finland Liberated Ukraine: Russian Soldiers Fled in fear from the Wrath of Finland Tanks!”
There is no evidence Finland has intervened in Ukraine. If Finland had “liberated” Ukraine, news outlets would have covered it, yet none have. Neither the Finnish Ministry of Defense nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released statements indicating that Finnish forces have intervened in Ukraine. (RELATED: Did Ukraine Capture Crimea?)
Furthermore, while Finland has sent military aid to Ukraine, there is no evidence that Finnish tanks are actively fighting in Ukraine. Finland pledged Feb. 23 to send Leopard 2 mine-clearing tanks to Ukraine, according to a press release from the Finnish Ministry of Defense. Finland has sent armored personnel carriers, mortars and ammunition to Ukraine, defense analysis website Oryx noted.
Finland has started to build a border fence in some sections of its border with Russia, according to Insider. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in March that Russia is not a threat to Finland, the Moscow Times reported.
Misinformation surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war has circulated online since its start in February 2022. Check Your Fact recently debunked a video allegedly showing late Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain criticizing Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul over Ukraine joining NATO.
