Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII

Finland is conducting Europe's largest civil defense exercise since World War II, with over 2,000 participants rehearsing responses to potential attacks, including missile strikes and cyberattacks, amid heightened tensions with neighboring Russia. The exercise in Kuopio simulates disruption to critical infrastructure and involves volunteers, students, and conscripts practicing shelter operations in underground bunkers. Finnish officials emphasize the importance of civilian preparedness, drawing lessons from Ukraine's experience with rapid attacks and limited shelter access. Finland, which joined NATO in 2024, maintains a conscription system and a strong national defense mindset rooted in its history of wars with the Soviet Union. Officials also note increased cyberattacks and suspicious activities targeting energy infrastructure since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.