World · Europe · 1 day ago
Finland prepares its population for a possible crisis with Russia
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia and has built a national culture of defence.
Its “total defence” approach brings together the armed forces, civilians and businesses in a crisis.
About one million civilians prepare, including by learning how to find food and stay warm.
Some families also take part in exercises, such as teaching children to find their way in the woods.
This approach is shaped by the Winter War of 1939–1940, when the Soviet Union invaded Finland; Finland lost territory but kept its independence.
The preparations are intended to help the country and its people respond if a crisis occurs, though no next step is specified.
Finland relies on a “total defence” strategy that involves its armed forces, civilians and businesses in a crisis.
The country shares 1,340 kilometres of border with Russia and has 5.6 million people.
About one million Finnish civilians prepare for a possible conflict, including by learning survival skills.
The strategy is rooted in Finland’s history, including its resistance to the Soviet invasion in the Winter War of 1939-1940.
- Who
- Finland and its population, including civilians preparing for a crisis.
- What
- The country is preparing its population through a “total defence” strategy for a possible crisis or Russian attack.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026; it does not state when a crisis might occur.
- Where
- Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia.
- Why
- To prepare for a possible Russian attack and help the population respond to a crisis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Soviet Union invaded Finland in the Winter War; Finland lost territory but preserved its independence.
Finns developed a “total defence” strategy involving the armed forces, civilians and businesses.
franceinfo published a report on Finland’s preparations for a possible crisis with Russia.
- Russian border
- 1,340 kilometres
- Population
- 5.6 million
- Civilians preparing
- About 1 million
- Winter War
- November 1939-March 1940
- Weapon collection
- Juha Ripattila has 300 weapons
What people are saying
I am a mother and my job would be to get my children to safety so they survive.
We Finns are tenacious and determined. Here, we call it ‘sisu’. You can’t live in fear. I trust my country.
It gives children a feeling of security and confidence. It’s important that they learn how to react in a crisis.
In the event of an attack, half the village would come and get weapons here. And I would have more than enough ammunition. My 1939 anti-aircraft gun is still pointed east. That’s where the danger comes from.
Sources
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