Finland approves NATO nuclear weapons storage, prompting Russian warning

Finland's parliament voted 125‑61 to amend its Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code, allowing the import, transit, storage and deployment of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory. The changes take effect on 1 July and mark the end of decades‑long nuclear‑free policy, aligning Finland’s defence posture with NATO after its 2023 accession.

President Alexander Stubb and Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said the reform enhances Finland’s and NATO’s security. Finland is also exploring participation in a French plan to station nuclear‑armed aircraft at its air bases, while Poland has raised similar discussions.

Russia condemned the decision, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that the move could “escalate tensions in Europe” and that Moscow would take “appropriate measures” in response. A Russian UN representative echoed the threat perception, calling any nuclear deployment near its border a direct danger.