Finland is not one of the primary targets of recent Russian diversions, as Russia's main focus is currently on other regions of Europe. This was reported by Lotta Hakala, a special researcher at the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo), to Yle.
"Currently, Russia's attention is directed towards other regions in Europe, such as major EU countries. Russia is particularly targeting material support for Ukraine, including production, transportation, and storage of aid," Hakala said.
Russia's efforts are aimed at preventing military support for Ukraine. Besides causing direct damage, the goal is to influence public willingness to support Ukraine.
"By creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, and giving the impression that Russia is capable of acting anywhere and anytime," Hakala added.
According to Supo, there are no indications of attempts to disrupt material support for Ukraine in Finland. However, vigilance is necessary for potential subversive activities, as in other parts of Europe.
"It is quite likely that Russia's actions towards Finland will become more aggressive, just as in other European countries," Hakala believes.
She also noted that Russia is carrying out attacks on poorly protected and controlled targets elsewhere that could cause significant visible damage and attract attention.
Supo considers it new in Russia's tactics to use intermediaries, such as criminals recruited for money, often through social media, for diversionary actions.
"Russia is trying to conceal its own involvement and maintain at least a formal possibility of denying these actions," Hakala said.
