Finnish president downplays Russian attack risk while Baltic threats persist

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Sep 18, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-18-1100
Finnish president downplays Russian attack risk while Baltic threats persist
Photo: Portal obronny

Finnish President Alexander Stubb dismissed forecasts of a Russian attack on NATO by 2029, even as experts warn of growing hybrid threats in the Baltic region.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected predictions from German officials that Russia could attack NATO territory by 2029, stating he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to support such claims. Speaking to German media, Stubb noted he cannot imagine Russia attacking "the most powerful military alliance in the world," though he emphasized that NATO member states must remain prepared for any scenario to deter potential aggression.

Despite Stubb's skepticism regarding a direct invasion, regional security experts warn of escalating non-conventional threats. Military analyst Col. Maciej Korowaj warned that Russian forces are actively mapping NATO defensive responses in the Baltic Sea to update operational plans, noting that the risk of provocations could rise starting in September. In response, Nordic and Baltic nations continue to bolster defense cooperation against hybrid, sabotage, and intelligence activities.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Sources

Earlier coverage

Share