Finnish MEP Warns: Russia May Recruit "Useful Idiots" in Finland

Helsinki — A Finnish Member of the European Parliament and former military intelligence chief has warned that Finland must prepare for Russian sabotage and influence operations. Pekka Toveri said that while Finland's strong national defense spirit offers some protection, Russia could still find people willing to help.

"Foreign nationals are easier to recruit, but there are also useful idiots among native Finns if they start recruiting," Toveri said. The term "useful idiots" is often used to describe people who unknowingly support a cause that harms their own country.

Finland's Protection and Weak Points

Toveri noted that Finland is somewhat protected by its citizens' strong will to defend the country and their reluctance to support Russia. However, he warned that this does not make Finland immune. He shared an Yle news article on X (formerly Twitter) about Russian intelligence services recruiting people across Europe to carry out attacks.

According to the article, Russia's sabotage operations have become more active. Recruits are often willing to travel and strike in third countries, so they do not need to be found in the target country itself.

Toveri also criticized political leaders in Central and Southern Europe. "The weakest link in Europe's defense is the political leaders in Central and Southern Europe. They do not understand the Russian threat and/or are often cowards, as the Belgian case shows. That is why Russia focuses its influence there. But we should also be prepared here," he said.

How Russia Recruits Saboteurs

Lotta Hakala, a specialist researcher at Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (Supo), told Yle that Russia is now targeting European defense industry and material support for Ukraine more precisely than before.

Hakala said Russia has built a network of "gig workers" over recent years to carry out sabotage. Recruitment often happens on Telegram, and money attracts people with criminal backgrounds.

Supo has warned that Russian sabotage activity is increasing across Europe. For example, a shopping mall fire in Warsaw in spring 2024 was suspected to be Russian sabotage.

What This Means for Finland

Toveri's warning suggests that Finland should not be complacent. While the country has strong public resistance to Russia, the risk of recruitment—especially through social media and messaging apps—remains real. Authorities are urging vigilance as Russia expands its hybrid warfare tactics across Europe.