US EditionFinland to lift full ban on hosting nuclear arms, government says
Finland's government seeks legal amendments to allow nuclear weapons transit tied to defense, aligning with NATO deterrence after joining in 2023, officials said.
- On Thursday, Finland's government announced plans to lift a long-standing ban on hosting nuclear weapons, Defense Minister Antti Hakkänen said at a Helsinki briefing as Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's coalition backs the plan.
- The reform responds to a changed security environment after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Finland joining NATO, enabling full participation in NATO nuclear planning, officials say.
- Legal amendments would move prohibitions from the 1987 Nuclear Energy Act into the criminal code, permit nuclear explosives for defence or NATO, and Parliament of Finland will receive classified material while permanent deployment requires Finnish state leadership approval.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said `This is a statement that leads to an escalation of tensions on the European continent` and warned Russia would respond if Finland hosts nuclear weapons.
- The change aligns with a wider European deterrence shift as France and Germany deepen cooperation, while Finland's 1,340km border with Russia and a 2024 U.S. pact highlight regional stakes.
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After joining NATO, Finland wants to change its nuclear weapons law. In Russia, the plans are causing displeasure. The deployment of nuclear weapons will increase Finland's vulnerability, says Moscow.
The Kremlin responded to the announcement made by Finland regarding the authorisation of nuclear weapons stationing, Peskov saying that the measure would increase tensions in Europe. Russia's article, a warning for Finland! Statements made by Dmitri Peskov: "This is the first time on Romania TV has been seen.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is generally open to discussions with the Kremlin, he says. At present, however, such formats are useless in the face of Russian warfare. And: around the Zaporishzya nuclear power plant a ceasefire should apply. More in the liveticker.
"When nuclear weapons are introduced, Finland is beginning to threaten us," Kremlin's spokesman said, accusing Helsinki of feeding a scale of tensions on the European continent.
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