Finnish scholar Alpo Rusi reveals Cold War Soviet threats against former prime minister

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has outlined new details regarding Soviet intelligence operations in Finland during the late 1970s and early 1980s in a column published by Iltalehti. Rusi focused on coercive threats directed at Keijo Liinamaa, who served as Finland's prime minister and national conciliator, shortly before his death in December 1980.

According to the account, Liinamaa disclosed to a diplomat that he faced direct pressure from Soviet operatives. The covert actions were part of broader Kremlin efforts to manipulate domestic Finnish politics and steer the nation's presidential succession during a tense period of the Cold War.

Sources: Iltalehti