Sep 29, 2026, 04:30 AM UTC

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has published new commentary detailing Soviet intelligence operations targeting Finnish political figures in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing for Iltalehti, Rusi highlighted the intimidation directed at Keijo Liinamaa, who served as Finland's prime minister and national conciliator before his death in 1980.

According to Rusi, Soviet intelligence actively sought to influence domestic politics during the final years of President Urho Kekkonen's tenure. Liinamaa reportedly disclosed receiving threats prior to his passing, illustrating Moscow's broader strategy to shape political succession and maintain influence over Helsinki. The historical analysis underlines how covert pressure tactics were employed against key figures within the Finnish state during critical Cold War transitions.

Sources: Iltalehti

A Finnish foreign correspondent for public broadcaster Yle, Maxim Fedorov, was forced to alter his live news broadcast from Kyiv following a nearby Russian missile attack. Fedorov relocated to a bomb shelter minutes before going on air to complete his report safely.

Meanwhile, a Finnish national in his fifties who voluntarily fought alongside Ukrainian forces has been imprisoned in Russia. The Helsinki resident, identified by Finnish media under the pseudonym "Mikael," was apprehended after traveling to Africa and subsequently placed in Russian custody on mercenary charges. The case marks the first recorded instance of a Finnish volunteer combatant from the war in Ukraine being incarcerated by Russian authorities.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti