Fears that Russia will invade other European countries have been heightened after a senior researcher with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs accused the Kremlin of attempting to use anti-Russian sentiment to justify its war on Ukraine.Read more: Ukraine Russia news LIVE as 10 killed while queuing for bread and Vladimir Putin issues chilling warning to oligarchs in bizarre rant
Since the beginning of the invasion almost four weeks ago, Russian speakers living in Finland have reported suffering from verbal and physical abuse due to their nationality. Mr Lassila also urged Finnish people not to act out against Russian citizens as this would play into Putin's hand. The map he was pointing to indicated that troops would move onwards to Moldova as he was seen emphasising a red line into the country.Read more: Russia bombs theatre where over 1,000 were sheltering in Mariupol, official claims