Finland is not currently the main target for sabotage by the Russian Federation, but the possibility of subversive actions remains high. According to the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (SUPO), Moscow is using insidious methods to hinder European support for Ukraine.
“At present, Russia’s main focus is on other regions of Europe, such as major EU countries,” said SUPO special investigator Lotta Hakala. According to her, the Kremlin has aimed to disrupt the material support for Ukraine. Sabotage is occurring in various European countries at facilities involved in the production, transportation, and storage of military aid. Moscow’s primary goal is to prevent military support for Ukraine. At the same time, Russia seeks to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in Europe to influence public willingness to support Ukraine.
“By creating the impression that Russia can do anything, anywhere, Moscow is trying to sow uncertainty and fear among Europeans,” Hakala added.
The Finnish Security Intelligence Service warns that the country must be prepared for possible sabotage by Russia. “It is quite likely that Russia’s actions towards Finland will become more aggressive, just as they have in other European countries,” Hakala believes.
It remains unclear whether Russia was involved in recent incidents in Finland, specifically the rupture of a water pipe or the collapse of a mobile communication tower this summer. SUPO refrains from commenting on this matter, but experts suggest that it is quite possible.
SUPO also notes that a new approach by Russia involves using intermediaries to carry out sabotage. Russian intelligence services, mainly through social networks, recruit criminals for monetary rewards and involve them in subversive activities. This is done to conceal the direct involvement of Russian intelligence services. “Russia is trying to hide its own involvement and maintain at least a formal possibility to deny these actions,” Hakala explains.
The statement from the Finnish Security Intelligence Service is an important warning about the serious threats posed by the Russian Federation. The Kremlin is directing its efforts towards destabilizing European countries and weakening their security.
