The Transformation of Russia’s Image in Finland (1990–2026)

The image of Russia in Finland has been in a continuous transformation since the perestroika period in the Soviet Union. Positive perceptions peaked in the years leading up to and following the collapse of the Soviet Union. A reversal began during the First Chechen War, and negative trends have gradually intensified until the present. Since the second half of 2022, the image of Russia as a direct adversary has become dominant. Its most distinct and psychologically significant component among the general population is the notion that Russia is continuously conducting subversive activities on Finnish territory, particularly in the adjacent Gulf of Finland. Although this is publicly disputed by certain segments of the Finnish security apparatus, the significance of such denials in shaping public opinion should be assessed as less considerable. The emerging image of Russia as an adversary contains no elements indicating increased interest on the part of Finland or Finnish society in territories located beyond Russia’s borders. At the same time, interest in Russia itself and its history has not diminished due to the increase in negative assessments. This article aims to present changes in Finnish perceptions of Russia without a comprehensive analysis of the significance of the internal and external political and ideological factors underlying their formation. It does not address the adequacy, fallacy, or moral evaluation of these narratives, nor the influence of Finland’s overall national and economic development on the dynamics of these trends.

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