Threats Against Nordic Countries Become Part of Russia's Election Strategy

Russia is employing propaganda concerning threats to Nordic countries as a tactic to gain votes in the upcoming local elections, according to a report from Dagens Nyheter. This strategy has intensified since Finland and Sweden became NATO members, leading to sharper and more direct rhetoric from Russian officials.

Kari Liuhto, Finland's first professor of intelligence studies, stated that Russian propaganda against Finland and Sweden is currently "propagandistically hostile." He highlighted statements by Russian politician Aleksej Zhuravljov, a member of the State Duma's defense committee, who claimed Russia could "destroy half of Finland" despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Liuhto interprets such remarks as calculated moves to appeal to ultranationalist voters.

Liuhto explained that Russian state propaganda has become pervasive and difficult to resist, with all Russian media controlled by the Kremlin. This dense propaganda aims to create a perception of the Nordic region as hostile, even fabricating claims that Finland seeks to reclaim former territories. However, Liuhto advises against overestimating the impact of these statements, suggesting that continued aggressive rhetoric might be a sign that Russia is not planning immediate action. He noted that silence from the Kremlin could be more concerning.

Despite the propaganda, Liuhto believes both Finland and Sweden have room for improvement in their preparedness, legislation, and defenses against Russian influence campaigns. He recalled the confusion caused by drone sightings in Finland earlier in the year as an example of potential vulnerabilities.