Finland added to Russia's nuclear target list after NATO‑related law change

Russian Security Council deputy chief Dmitry Medvedev posted on X that Finland has now been placed on Russia’s list of potential nuclear weapon targets. He linked the move to Finland’s decision on June 17 to amend a 1980s law that had fully banned the import, production, possession and use of nuclear explosive devices. The amendment permits limited exceptions for nuclear material that serves Finland’s defence, NATO collective defence or other security cooperation, while still prohibiting development and manufacturing.

Medvedev’s message framed the change as a “triumph” for Finnish security and warned that the country’s closer NATO alignment would have direct consequences for Russian military planning. The statement follows a pattern of Russian officials threatening Western states over perceived anti‑Russian actions.