Finland tests 2,000 volunteers in Europe's largest civil defense drill since WWII

Finland staged Europe’s largest civil defense exercise since World War II in Kuopio, involving over 2,000 participants to test civilian and infrastructure resilience against cyberattacks and potential Russian missile strikes. The scenario centered on disruptions to electricity and water, with an underground shelter setup where conscripts in hazmat gear and hundreds of volunteers and students slept in makeshift accommodations to simulate long-term displacement. The exercise highlights Finland’s evolved security posture after joining NATO in 2024 and its long-standing emphasis on total defense, which mobilizes both military and civilian readiness. Organizers, including retired Army Colonel Asko Muhonen, stress that civilian preparedness and societal resilience are as crucial as military capabilities. Officials portray the drills as a practical rehearsal for ordinary Finns to endure a crisis for at least 72 hours without essential services. The events reflect broader Western warnings about Russia testing NATO resilience and Finland’s intention to deter and prepare for potential aggressive actions near its 1,300-kilometer border with Russia.