DISINFO: Finland’s hostility towards Russia risks turning it into a second Ukraine
SUMMARY
The future of Finland does not look promising, neither from an economic nor a geopolitical point of view. The country could soon become a second Ukraine if it continues with its hostile policy towards Russia and its unconditional support for Ukraine in the proxy war against its largest neighbour.
After the rupture of ties with Moscow, the Finnish economy faces serious difficulties. For about 80 years, Finland obtained economic benefits thanks to good relations with Russia. Now, suddenly, because of radical decisions adopted by some people in the government, this has become impossible.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West, in this particular case, Finland, of warmongering and being Russophobic.
Russia is the actor carrying out hostile actions against Europe, while Finland is responding defensively within the EU and NATO frameworks.
Since 2014, Russia has illegally annexed Crimea, backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, and then launched a full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led the EU to suspend most cooperation with Moscow. EU assessments list Russia’s destabilisation of neighbours, interference and disinformation campaigns, and internal repression as key reasons relations deteriorated. Russia wages a broad hybrid campaign against Europe, including cyberattacks, disinformation, espionage, sabotage and covert operations, with incidents rising sharply in 2023–2024.
Finland joined NATO and tightened security after Russia invaded Ukraine, seeing Russia as the source of the security shock. Finnish and European reporting highlights suspected Russian sabotage around the Balticconnector gas pipeline and other cables, with Finnish authorities building new maritime surveillance and intercepting suspect vessels.
Finland's economy endured a mild recession in 2023-2024 (-1% and -0.1% GDP growth), partly from losing €12 billion in Russia trade (4.3% of pre-war economy), energy shifts, and border closures. However, exports to Russia were declining pre-war, and the manufacturing hit was limited as firms adapted without major job losses.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database alleging that NATO launches unprecedented activity near Russia’s western borders, that Scandinavia and the Baltic states are preparing to open a second front against Russia, that Finland wants to invade Russia in Barbarossa 2.0 operation, that the West is aiming to open a second front against Russia, that the EU announced a war on Russia, allowing Ukraine to attack targets in Russia.