Russia is actively using historical narratives, the issue of the country’s membership in NATO, and the consequences of economic sanctions to create internal divisions within Finnish society, according to a new review of information influence published by the Finnish Government, as reported by Valtioneuvosto.
The document emphasizes that the goal of these operations is to undermine national unity, weaken citizens’ trust in state institutions, and influence Finland’s foreign policy course. Analysts note that Russian propaganda systematically manipulates facts from shared history, attempting to portray Finland as an ungrateful neighbor or as a country that has lost its sovereignty after joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The report also details how the issue of sanctions is used to fuel public dissatisfaction. Russian information resources focus on economic difficulties, rising energy prices, and losses for Finnish businesses, claiming that “the government is sacrificing the well-being of its own citizens for the interests of Brussels and Washington.”
Particular attention is paid to eastern border regions, where the suspension of cross-border cooperation and the closure of border crossing points are presented as unjustified actions by Finnish authorities directed against ordinary people. In this way, external influence attempts to create conditions for protest sentiments and political instability.
The review also points to the use of the NATO issue as a tool of intimidation. False claims are spread suggesting that Finland has become a forward base for aggression against Russia, which the organizers of these influence campaigns hope will create fear and uncertainty among Finns.
Finnish authorities emphasize that countering such hybrid threats requires not only the vigilance of security services but also a high level of media literacy across society. The state intends to continue monitoring such campaigns and promptly inform citizens about manipulation methods in order to preserve the resilience of the democratic system and national security in a changing geopolitical environment.
