Supo chief Juha Martelius in an interview with STT at the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service headquarters in Helsinki on 4 February 2025. LEHTIKUVA
- Next Article Two police suicides at high-security sites prompt investigation
Finland’s internal security agency, Supo, has warned that Russia is actively probing vulnerabilities in Finnish infrastructure, with the potential for increased threats after the war in Ukraine ends.
Supo chief Juha Martelius stated that Russian intelligence is testing Finland’s critical infrastructure almost daily, particularly through cyber reconnaissance. “They are not destroying anything yet, but they are knocking on the doors, checking the locks, and seeing what is inside,” he said.
Martelius stressed that Russia’s ambitions will not end with Ukraine. “Russia will not be satisfied. They will look for other areas where they believe they should have more influence.”
The warning comes amid concerns over damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. Finnish authorities have not ruled out sabotage but say proving Russia’s involvement remains difficult.
The EstLink 2 power cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, was damaged on Christmas Day, with the Eagle S tanker suspected of being involved. The case is still under investigation. Finland has also examined links to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of vessels that operate outside Western oversight and sanctions.
Martelius warned that Russia’s shadow fleet plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s ability to continue its war efforts. “We have an unprecedented number of these vessels in the Baltic Sea. They enable Russia’s war economy, and we should be able to act against that.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Russian intelligence is reportedly monitoring Finnish authorities and decision-making in foreign and security policy.
Martelius also highlighted Russia’s use of information warfare, stating that it aims to create uncertainty and fear. “People were already convinced last summer that we had some kind of fifth column operating inside Finland. That is exactly what Russian influence campaigns seek to achieve.”
Supo has also raised concerns about inadequate re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
