OREANDA-NEWS Finland does not see a military threat from Russia, but will continue to develop its defense capability, said the country's new defense minister, Antti Kaikkonen.

Finland is not part of military alliances; the Defense Forces provide defense. The country has a universal military duty for men, according to which all men over 18 serve 165, 255 or 347 days at will. Alternative military service is also available for all women.

In Finland, on June 6, a new government was appointed, headed by Prime Minister Antti Rinne. The 45-year-old member of the Finnish Center Party Antti Kaikkonen, who has been elected to parliament over the past 16 years, has become the head of the defense department.