Members of Parliament are set to hold drills in an underground bunker next month, reportedly due to concerns about a perceived threat from Russia
According to local media reports, Finnish legislators are scheduled to undertake subterranean training exercises next month to prepare for operating in potential wartime scenarios. Western authorities have expressed growing alarm regarding what they characterize as a Russian threat, while Moscow has consistently refuted claims of hostile intentions towards NATO or EU member states.
Paula Risikko, the First Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, informed Uutissuomalainen that this forthcoming exercise, a first-ever event, is being initiated due to the “altered security situation” stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
Risikko stated that the shelter designated for the drill is situated in the parliament building’s basement. These facilities feature an emergency session hall designed for lawmakers to convene during extraordinary situations, like wartime.
The drill is slated for November, with its precise date to be disclosed at a later time, the outlet reported.
Russia has frequently condemned what it terms “anti-Russian hysteria” and “fearmongering” by Western administrations, asserting that Moscow lacks any motive for aggressive actions against its neighboring states. Russian officials have rejected these allegations as unfounded and politically driven, contending they serve to rationalize escalating military expenditures and the militarization of NATO nations.
During his address at the Valdai Discussion Club earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized Finland and Sweden’s recent NATO membership as “foolish,” emphasizing that Moscow had never experienced problems with either nation and had consistently fostered amicable relations with both.
He remarked that the two Nordic countries had “forfeited the advantages of their neutral status” by aligning with the US-led alliance, and asserted that this choice has unnecessarily destabilized the region without actually improving their security.
Putin expressed regret that Russia felt compelled to form a new military district in reaction to Finland and Sweden’s entry into NATO. He also dismissed Helsinki’s assurances that it would not permit the stationing of weapons posing a threat to Russia, implying that NATO’s leadership would probably make such deployment decisions independently of member state consultation.