Russia warns Finland that hosting nuclear weapons would increase its vulnerability, as Helsinki plans to reverse a longstanding ban amid a European security rethink.
MOSCOW: Russia has issued a stark warning to Finland over its plan to reverse a longstanding ban on hosting nuclear weapons. The Kremlin stated such a move would make the Nordic nation more vulnerable and prompt a Russian response.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Finnish announcement leads to an escalation of tensions in Europe. He argued that deploying nuclear weapons would mean Finland begins to threaten Russia, necessitating appropriate countermeasures.
The warning follows Finland’s statement that it plans to lift its prohibition on hosting such weapons. This shift could open the door to placing nuclear arms on its territory during times of war.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb clarified the change is not due to an acute security threat. He said it is about ensuring Finland can participate fully in NATO’s nuclear planning.
Stubb added that Finland does not want a nuclear weapon on its territory permanently. The move aligns the country with the policy of its Nordic neighbours.
Neighbouring Sweden’s doctrine is to station no permanent foreign troops or nuclear weapons on its soil in peacetime. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that formulation would not apply in a completely different security situation.
The Finnish shift is part of a wider European rethink on deterrence driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine. It is also influenced by the unpredictable behaviour of former US President Donald Trump.
France has offered to extend the protection of its nuclear arsenal to other European allies. President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan to expand France’s nuclear capabilities on Monday.
France and Germany have established a nuclear steering group to discuss deterrence issues. Russia labelled Macron’s announcement an “extremely destabilising development”.
The policy shifts by Finland and Sweden are striking given their Cold War neutrality. Both nations joined NATO only in 2023 and 2024, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Finland shares a 1,340 km border with Russia. Russia has repeatedly used veiled nuclear threats during the four-year conflict in Ukraine to deter Western intervention.
