'Russia is Finland's top security threat', Finnish SUPO Chief

Finnish intelligence chief singles out Russia as the foremost security threat, following the infiltration of several dozen potentially dangerous individuals into Finland from Russia

Newly appointed chief of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO), Juha Martelius, has unequivocally pointed to Russia as the greatest security threat facing Finland, citing the evolving security landscape.

Martelius emphasized the external nature of the threat, stating, “If you look at the changed security environment in Finland, the threat is now coming from outside the country’s borders from the east.”

Martelius elaborated on the specific concerns, highlighting heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly Russia’s assertive actions in Ukraine.

“In particular, it is linked to the intensified confrontation between Russia and the West in general and Russia’s policy of force in Ukraine. On the other hand, there is also a disregard for certain rules of international law,” Martelius remarked.

While acknowledging Finland’s recent NATO membership as a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Martelius cautioned against complacency.

He warned against a potential worst-case scenario where democracy faces challenges internally and externally. However, he reassured, “I don’t see this kind of scenario happening in the near future in any way.”

Martelius also addressed the internal threats of radicalization and terrorism, stressing that they emanate from both right and left-wing extremist ideologies.

Russia poses border threat

In light of these concerns, Martelius called for stronger legislation to manage the situation at Finland’s border with Russia.

“It is essential that the government’s exceptional legislation on border closures is written in such a way that it [the border situation] does not pose any further threats to our national security,” Martelius emphasized.

These statements came following remarks from the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday, which disclosed that several dozen potentially dangerous individuals have entered Finland via Russia over the past few months, underscoring the urgency of addressing border security issues.

Source: Newsroom

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