Finland Lifts Nuclear Weapons Ban on June 17, Altering NATO Border Policy

Finland's parliament voted on Wednesday, June 17, to lift the country's longstanding ban on nuclear weapons, allowing the import, transport, supply, and possession of nuclear arms on its territory. The Finnish government stated it currently has no intention to deploy nuclear weapons.

The decision represents a shift in Helsinki's security posture following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as the nation strengthens ties with NATO allies. Finland shares an 810-mile border with Russia. According to Nexta TV, President Vladimir Putin alleged Finland intended to seize Russian territory, saying, "Why did they join NATO then? In the hope that everything here would collapse, and they'd swoop in and grab what they could." Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said the amendment aims to strengthen Finland's defense and enable full use of NATO's nuclear deterrent.