Finland has prepared for decades for a "Russian attack" and would put up stiff resistance should one occur, General Timo Kivinen said.

The country has built a significant arsenal, but in addition to military equipment, according to the Finnish general, a crucial factor is that Finns would be motivated to fight.

Finland applied to join NATO on 18 May, but the process has been delayed due to controversy with Turkey, which accuses Finland and Sweden of "supporting terrorism."