In Russia's St Petersburg, locals say Finland 'making problems' with NATO accession

A Finnish border officer stands on duty at the border between Finland and Russia , as Finland becomes member of NATO, in Vaalimaa, Finland, April 4, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Little

ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - Citizens of St Petersburg, the Russian city closest to Finland, on Tuesday accused their neighbour of turning its back on them by joining the Western military alliance NATO, following their government's line that the accession was a hostile act.

Before Russia sent its armed forces into Ukraine early last year, people in Russia's second city had been fond of visiting the Finnish capital Helsinki, about five hours' drive away.