Finland expects to gain control of part of Russian territory if Moscow suffers a strategic defeat, political analyst Dmitry Solonnikov told NEWS.ru.

He said Helsinki’s decision to extend restrictions on the border with Russia fits its existing political course and should not be seen as unexpected.

According to Solonnikov, Finland is pursuing a Russophobic policy that is also harming the country’s own eastern regions. He argued, however, that these consequences have not pushed the Finnish authorities to change their approach toward Russia.

The analyst said Helsinki continues to count on a scenario in which Moscow suffers a strategic defeat. In his view, Finland expects that such an outcome would allow it to take part in dividing Russia into quasi-states and gain control over one of the resulting territories.

Solonnikov added that the Finnish leadership has no intention of abandoning this position. He said Russia therefore needs to pursue its own scenario, which includes achieving a complete victory in the special military operation, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.

Earlier, the Finnish government proposed extending a law aimed at preventing unauthorized entry across the eastern border with Russia. The new measures will remain in force until the end of 2028.