Finland lifts parliamentary ban on nuclear weapons, sparking Russian criticism

Finland’s parliament voted 125‑61 to overturn a 1987 ban that prohibited the import, transport and storage of nuclear weapons on Finnish soil. The measure, supported by the centre‑right coalition and the Centre Party and opposed by the Social Democrats, the Left Alliance and the Greens, is intended to allow Finland to participate fully in NATO’s nuclear deterrence as part of its defence posture after joining the alliance in 2023.

Foreign Minister Antti Häkkänen said the change “strengthens Finland’s defence” by enabling use of NATO’s nuclear umbrella. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the decision, calling it a “victory of blind Russophobia” and warned that Russia would take “timely and effective” counter‑measures.

The vote marks a shift away from Finland’s long‑standing neutrality and non‑proliferation stance, raising concerns about a possible escalation of military tension along the 1,300‑km Finland‑Russia border.