Soviet covert operations targeted former Finnish prime minister, scholar says

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has published an analysis detailing Soviet intelligence operations in Finland during the transition period near the end of President Urho Kekkonen's era in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing in Iltalehti, Rusi highlighted intimidation tactics directed at former Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa shortly before his death in 1980.

According to Rusi, Liinamaa disclosed to a diplomat that he had faced serious threats linked to foreign covert operations. The article outlines how Soviet agencies sought to influence Finnish domestic politics and shape the high-stakes succession process. Rusi's account underscores the extent of foreign espionage activities aimed at maintaining strategic leverage over Helsinki during the Cold War.

Sources: Iltalehti