Finland Plans to Lift Ban on Nuclear Weapons Hosting Amid NATO Alignment and Russian Warnings

Finland plans to lift its longstanding ban on hosting nuclear weapons to align with NATO's deterrence policy after joining the alliance in 2023. The government proposal would allow nuclear arms on Finnish soil only if connected to national defense. Russia condemned the move, warning it would escalate tensions and increase Finland's vulnerability, promising to respond if such deployment occurs. Finland emphasizes the change enables full participation in NATO's nuclear planning amid evolving European security concerns.