Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) has issued a warning regarding the potential increase in Russian espionage activities following the continuation of the war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Despite the ongoing conflict, SUPO anticipates that the conclusion of the war will allow Russia to redirect its resources towards its intelligence operations across Europe. Given Finland's proximity to Russia, with a border of 1,340 kilometers, this issue has become particularly pertinent, especially after Finland joined NATO in April 2023, a decision that elicited a strong reaction from the Kremlin.

According to SUPO, the war has negatively impacted Russia's intelligence capabilities in Europe, but preparations are already underway for their restoration. The agency emphasizes that the resources currently focused on Ukraine will become available for other operations once the war concludes. As Finland finds itself in a strategic position as a NATO ally between the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region, it is anticipated that it will remain an area of interest for Russian intelligence efforts.

Furthermore, SUPO's director, Juha Martelius, noted that should relations between Europe and Russia improve, the variety of intelligence threats facing Finland could diversify. He indicates that Russia may enhance its espionage activities by integrating new methods that have proven effective in the current environment. This evolving landscape highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to counter potential threats from Russian intelligence in the future.