UK praises what Finland is doing to defend itself against Russia: “It’s a war”

Finland has developed a national defense strategy that engages the entire society, rooted in the concept of “sisu”—a term that embodies resilience, determination, and courage in the face of adversity. This philosophy translates into constant preparedness and a collective will to defend the country.

The Finnish military consists of 8,400 professional soldiers, backed by a mobilizable reserve of 280,000 troops and a total of 900,000 trained reservists—a remarkable number given Finland’s population of just 5.6 million.

Conscription is mandatory for men and voluntary for women, with strong public support—over 80% of Finns approve of the system. Additionally, a striking 78% of Finnish citizens and 71% of young adults aged 18-25 are willing to fight for their country under any circumstances.

Finland’s civil defense infrastructure

Since the 1950s, Finland has built an extensive network of civil defense shelters, now totaling approximately 50,500 across the country, with the capacity to protect 4.8 million people—covering 87% of the population.

In Helsinki alone, there are around 5,500 shelters, capable of housing 900,000 people, surpassing the city’s total population. These bunkers, including the well-known Merihaka shelter, are designed to withstand nuclear attacks. In peacetime, they serve as sports facilities or leisure spaces. “It’s a war. It’s about the Russian military threat,” stated Pasi Raatikainen, a special designer at the Helsinki Rescue Department.

British newspaper The Times has praised Finland’s preparedness, highlighting its “sisu” culture and comprehensive defense approach as a model for NATO nations. In stark contrast, a survey in the United Kingdom revealed that only 11% of young people aged 18-27 would be willing to fight for their country—a notably lower figure than Finland’s.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland has strengthened its defense measures. The government recently announced plans to raise the reservist age limit from 60 to 65, adding 125,000 additional troops to its wartime forces. By 2031, the country aims to have one million trained reservists, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most defense-ready nations.

Strategic reserves and crisis prepping

Finland has long prioritized national resilience, maintaining strategic reserves of food and fuel sufficient to last at least six months. This ensures the country can withstand disruptions to supply chains, whether due to conflict or economic instability.

Additionally, Finland has formal agreements with private companies to sustain the production of critical equipment and essential services during emergencies. This public-private collaboration strengthens national security by ensuring continued access to medical supplies, energy, and transportation infrastructure.

These measures reflect Finland’s comprehensive security model, which integrates military readiness with civil preparedness—making it one of Europe’s most resilient nations in times of crisis.

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