Finnish security agency warns of growing Russian threats

The Finnish Internal Security and Counter-Intelligence Agency, Supo, alerts the public about a potential increase in the threat from Russia to critical infrastructure once the war with Ukraine concludes. Juha Martelius, head of Supo, points out that Russian agents are almost daily attempting to identify weaknesses in Finnish IT systems.

Russia is gathering information to potentially strike in the future if needed, said Martelius, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.

In the summer of 2024, a series of break-ins at water infrastructure facilities in Finland raised speculation about possible sabotage by Russia. However, police investigations ruled out clandestine diversionary operations. Martelius underscores that Russia uses informational influence to create uncertainty and anxiety among the population.

In recent months, there have been several instances of transmission cable disruptions in the Gulf of Finland. Although ships from the Russian shadow fleet are suspected, the Finnish government has not directly accused Russia of the disruptions. In the case of damage to the Estonian-Finnish EstLink 2 power cable, involving the suspected tanker Eagle S, no evidence of intentional action or links to Russia was found.

Even if the investigation shows deliberate action, it cannot be unequivocally stated that a state entity was behind it, added Martelius.

Reports from Supo indicate that Russian intelligence is interested not only in critical infrastructure but also in the activities of Finnish authorities and their decisions regarding foreign and security policy. Finnish authorities remain vigilant, monitoring the situation and preparing for potential threats.