Finland warns of Russian sabotage targeting defense industry

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has warned that Russia is seeking escalation through sabotage attacks targeting the European defense industry. Speaking at a diplomatic assembly in Helsinki, Orpo expressed increasing pessimism regarding the security situation, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance.

Orpo cited recent incidents involving weapons and ammunition production facilities as evidence of aggressive Russian activity. These include an arson attack on a drone manufacturer in Tallinn, Estonia, which led to three arrests in Latvia, and an ammunition depot explosion in Bulgaria. Other reported incidents include a fire at an ammunition plant in Italy and a drone attack on a transport aircraft in Germany.

Security services, counterintelligence, and military intelligence have provided updated threat assessments to the Finnish government. These reports indicate an increased probability of Russian-led sabotage within Finland, specifically targeting factories that produce ammunition or weaponry.