Soviet intelligence targeted Finnish leadership in Cold War transition, scholar says

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has detailed historical evidence regarding Soviet covert influence operations in Finland during the political transition at the end of President Urho Kekkonen's era in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing in an op-ed published by Iltalehti, Rusi highlighted the intimidation directed at former Finnish Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa prior to his death in 1980.

According to Rusi, foreign intelligence agents targeted key domestic political actors to manipulate the presidential succession and maintain strategic leverage in Helsinki. Shortly before his passing, Liinamaa reportedly confided to a diplomat that he had received threats linked to foreign intelligence activities, reflecting the intense pressure exerted by Soviet operatives during a pivotal Cold War juncture.

Sources: Iltalehti