Soviet intelligence targeted former Finnish prime minister, scholar says

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has provided further details on Soviet covert operations targeting Finnish officials during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In a guest commentary for Iltalehti, Rusi examined political pressure directed at former Prime Minister and national conciliator Keijo Liinamaa prior to his death in 1980.

According to the analysis, Soviet intelligence actively sought to manipulate internal political dynamics in Helsinki during the final period of President Urho Kekkonen’s administration. The intimidation of key figures like Liinamaa reflected broader efforts by Moscow to control key political transitions and preserve strategic influence over Finnish governance during the Cold War.

Sources: Iltalehti