Soviet KGB targeted former Finnish Prime Minister Liinamaa during Cold War transition, researcher says

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Posted Oct 8, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-08-1500
Soviet KGB targeted former Finnish Prime Minister Liinamaa during Cold War transition, researcher says
Photo: Iltalehti

Political scientist Alpo Rusi details KGB pressure and threats against former Finnish Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa during the late 1970s transition period.

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has outlined further details regarding Soviet intelligence pressure on former Finnish Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Writing for Iltalehti, Rusi examined the KGB's covert influence campaigns aimed at shaping Finnish politics as President Urho Kekkonen's leadership era drew to a close. Liinamaa, who served as head of government in 1975 and later as national conciliator, reportedly disclosed receiving threats shortly before his sudden death in 1980. According to Rusi, Moscow sought to steer presidential succession and maintain strategic leverage over Helsinki during a pivotal Cold War transition.

Sources: Iltalehti

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