ISTANBUL

Moscow on Monday criticized neighboring Finland over the publication of an information package for its citizens which are either planning or considering to volunteer on the side of Kyiv in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Earlier, the Finnish Foreign Ministry said in a press release that it published an information package on its website for those planning or considering traveling to the war-torn country to serve as volunteer fighters for its military, as the Russia-Ukraine war is set to enter its fourth year later this month.

“The (Foreign) Ministry does not recommend or promote volunteering as a fighter. However, it assists Finnish citizens who are in Ukraine in accordance with the Consular Services Act whenever possible,” the statement said.

The package provides guidelines for various issues and circumstances, including being wounded, killed, or missing in action, or becoming a prisoner of war.

Commenting on the publication of the information package, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the Finnish government in a commentary to state news agency TASS.

“In my opinion, the authors of such ‘instructions’ were guided by nothing but hatred for their own citizens and disregard for their fate. Who in the Finnish government hates the Finns so much?” Zakharova said.

Finnish authorities have not yet responded to Zakharova’s remarks.