Political scientist details KGB threats against former Finnish leader Keijo Liinamaa

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Posted Oct 11, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-11-0800
Political scientist details KGB threats against former Finnish leader Keijo Liinamaa
Photo: Iltalehti

Alpo Rusi has detailed historical KGB influence operations in Finland, focusing on threats against former Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa in 1980.

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has outlined historical Soviet influence operations in Finland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing in a column for Iltalehti, Rusi detailed how KGB officers targeted Finnish political figures, specifically focusing on former Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa.

According to Rusi, Liinamaa faced direct intimidation from Soviet intelligence services shortly before his sudden death in December 1980. Liinamaa had reportedly disclosed these threats to a diplomat prior to his passing. Rusi's account emphasizes how Moscow employed covert pressure tactics to manipulate Finnish domestic affairs, aiming to steer the presidential succession toward candidates aligned with Soviet interests during a sensitive political transition.

Sources: Iltalehti

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