Finland’s parliament has revoked its long-standing ban on nuclear weapons, potentially allowing the country to host them. This decision marks a significant shift in Finland’s defense policy following its accession to NATO in April 2023. Previously, maintaining a nuclear-free status was a key tenet of Finnish foreign policy. The move is widely interpreted as a response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and a strengthening of Finland’s security alignment with NATO. While the legislation doesn’t immediately authorize the deployment of nuclear weapons, it removes the legal obstacle. Russia has consistently expressed strong opposition to NATO expansion and the potential placement of nuclear weapons near its borders, and is likely to view this development negatively. Finnish officials have stated the decision is aimed at deterring potential threats and ensuring national security.