With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe’s largest civil defense exercise since WWII
Summary
Finland is holding the largest civil defense exercise in Europe since World War II, involving over 2,000 people. The exercise tests how to protect citizens and critical services in the city of Kuopio against threats like missile attacks and cyberattacks, with a focus on the risk from neighboring Russia.Key Facts
- The civil defense drill takes place in Kuopio, Finland, involving conscripts, volunteers, and students.
- Participants practice using shelters designed to resist nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks.
- The exercise scenario includes power and water disruptions caused by cyberattacks.
- Finland’s border with Russia is over 830 miles long, from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle.
- Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2024 after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
- The drill reflects Finland’s strategy to involve ordinary citizens in national defense, supported by conscription.
- Finnish defense officials say lessons are learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
- The exercise also responds to concerns about Russian sabotage inside Europe, such as fires and drone attacks.
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