Russia warns Finland against placing nuclear weapons

Russia said on Friday it would take action if Finland allowed nuclear weapons to be stationed on its territory. According to Moscow, such a move would increase the vulnerability of the Nordic country and contribute to escalating tensions in Europe.

The Kremlin reacted after Finland announced on Thursday its intention to lift a long-standing ban on nuclear weapons on its territory. According to the government, the move could open the possibility of deploying them in times of war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that if Finland threatened Russia in this way, Moscow would take appropriate measures.

However, Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasised that the policy change does not pose an immediate security threat to the country. According to him, the main aim is to allow Finland to participate fully in NATO’s nuclear planning. He added that Helsinki does not want nuclear weapons on its territory but is aligning itself with the policy of other Nordic countries.

Discussions about nuclear deterrence in Europe have intensified in connection with Russia’s war against Ukraine. Finland and Sweden have also joined NATO, deciding to change their security policy after decades of neutrality.

(reuters, lud)