YLE: Foreign Minister: Finland not dependent on Russian gas
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mentioned Finland as a Western European country he considers dependent on Russian natural gas supplies. Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja says that Putin's evaluation of energy dependence is not particular apt in Finland's case.
According to Foreign Minister Tuomioja, Finland's natural gas imports from Russia are not the same as being dependant on Russia for energy supplies.
Responding to a question about Western Europe’s dependence on Russian natural gas during a televised question and answer session Thursday, President Putin put Finland forth as one example where deliveries are crucial. He stressed dependence on Russian-supplied energy, and said it is unlikely that Finland would give up Russian natural gas.