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Finland to lift full ban on hosting nuclear arms, government says
Finland's government seeks legal amendments to allow nuclear weapons transit tied to defense, aligning with NATO deterrence after joining in 2023, officials said.
- On Monday, Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Hakkänen said the government plans to lift its longstanding ban on hosting nuclear weapons.
- The reform responds to a changed security environment after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Finland, NATO member since April 2023, joining NATO to enable full participation in nuclear planning, officials say.
- The draft specifies amendments to the 1987 Nuclear Energy Act, moving prohibitions into the criminal code of Finland, with Parliament of Finland reviewing classified security material and Finnish state leadership approval for permanent deployment.
- Opposition parties criticised limited consultation and described the policy as irresponsible ahead of an early April parliamentary vote, prompting political pushback, while Russia warned of escalation if Finland hosts nuclear weapons.
- NATO plans a Forward Land Forces Multinational Staff Element in northern Finland, while Finland's 1,340km border underscores regional stakes, as the move aligns with broader European deterrence strategies.
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Finland to lift ban on transporting nuclear weapons across its territory
Finland plans to remove its legal ban on bringing nuclear weapons into the country, Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said at a Thursday evening news conference, Yle reported. Häkkänen said the prohibition, introduced in the 1980s, is no longer relevant. He argued the current law does not meet Finland’s needs as a NATO member and noted that blanket bans of this kind are rare among other allies. Transit of nuclear munitions through Finnish territor…
After joining NATO, Finland wants to change its nuclear weapons law. In Russia, the plans are causing displeasure. The deployment of nuclear weapons will increase Finland's vulnerability, says Moscow.
The Kremlin responded to the announcement made by Finland regarding the authorisation of nuclear weapons stationing, Peskov saying that the measure would increase tensions in Europe. Russia's article, a warning for Finland! Statements made by Dmitri Peskov: "This is the first time on Romania TV has been seen.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is generally open to discussions with the Kremlin, he says. At present, however, such formats are useless in the face of Russian warfare. And: around the Zaporishzya nuclear power plant a ceasefire should apply. More in the liveticker.
"When nuclear weapons are introduced, Finland is beginning to threaten us," Kremlin's spokesman said, accusing Helsinki of feeding a scale of tensions on the European continent.
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