One could also compare the standard of living in Finland to the one in former Finnish territory, for example the in old Finnish and now Russian city of Vyborg (birth place of former president Martti Ahtisaari, if I'm not mistaken). The difference is quite stark.
(obviously I don't mean to bash Russia, but I'm merely pointing out that the standard of living is significantly higher in Finland...) "The basis of optimism is sheer terror" - Oscar Wilde
However I believe the overall understanding displayed in Finland toward today's Russia - in spite of numerous little spats on various trade issues - is very useful to Europe. The trade is obviously very valuable for Finland. You can't be me, I'm taken
