Two-thirds of Finns oppose moves to normalise ties with Russia

Two-thirds of Finns oppose starting to normalise relations between Finland and Russia, according to an Ilta-Sanomat survey reported by Yle. The survey defined normalisation as restoring diplomatic, economic and people-to-people contacts between the countries.

About one in four respondents supported starting the process. A majority opposed it in every age group, with no differences between age groups.

Taloustutkimus conducted the survey through an online panel in late October, receiving responses from more than 1,100 people. The maximum margin of error is about three percentage points in either direction.

Finnish leaders have stressed that a phone call involving President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre does not mean Finland is starting to normalise relations with Russia. Stubb also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.