Finland Stages Europe’s Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since World War II

More than 2,000 volunteers, students, and conscripts took part in Finland’s largest civil defense exercise since World War II in Kuopio. Participants practiced sheltering, measuring radiation, and responding to simulated cyberattacks, disrupted power and water supplies, and missile threats. The exercise reflects heightened concern over Finland’s long border with Russia and lessons from Ukraine. Officials urged residents to prepare for at least 72 hours without outside assistance, emphasizing civilian readiness alongside military defense and resilient critical infrastructure across the country.