For several decades, Russia built a deeply embedded network of influence in Finland, according to a report by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs examining the covert mechanisms behind Moscow’s systematic influence on the country’s political and economic elites.
Experts at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) presented an analytical report detailing how Russia employed a comprehensive approach combining economic dependence, energy pressure, the institutional promotion of pro-Russian narratives and so-called “shuttle diplomacy”.
According to the report, a key objective of this long-term strategy was to foster a perception among Finland’s political and business elites that the Kremlin’s interests had to be continuously taken into account. For years, this contributed to holding back Finland’s integration into Euro-Atlantic security structures.
FIIA analysts stress that Russian influence was often presented as pragmatic economic cooperation, joint energy projects and cultural exchange. Behind this façade, however, were mechanisms of institutional pressure that encouraged Finnish officials and business leaders to avoid openly criticising Russia for fear of economic repercussions or damage to relations with Moscow.
According to the report, this model of relations created vulnerabilities in Finland’s national security that became apparent following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and prompted Helsinki to fundamentally reassess its foreign policy.
The report describes Finland’s accession to NATO as a historic break with this long-standing pattern. Nevertheless, the experts warn that despite the formal severing of many ties, Russia continues to attempt hybrid influence through disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks and the use of third parties to circumvent trade restrictions.
The authors call on Finnish authorities to strengthen institutional resilience, improve transparency in business transactions and continuously monitor hybrid threats originating from Russia.
