Fires, first aid and guns: The Finnish women training for war with Russia

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Finns – particularly women – have become more aware of the potential security risks posed by Russia, the Guardian reports.

• Women such as Sari – who works in sales and lives near a military base in western Finland – are taking part in courses to confront their fears and equip themselves with practical skills for emergencies.
• While she initially joined for patriotic reasons, Sari now recognizes the importance of being prepared for both natural disasters and potential security threats from Russia, given the proximity of their shared border.
• Finnish intelligence services warn that Russia poses a serious threat through espionage, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare tactics such as disinformation and sabotage.
• The country’s history of conflict with Russia and ongoing geopolitical tensions have fostered a national culture of preparedness, ensuring that the Finnish public remains vigilant and resilient against potential threats.