---
title: "Finland holds largest civil defence exercise in Europe since 1945 amid Russia tensions"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Russia"
published: "2026-09-03T17:25:45.998Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-03T16:08:16.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-03T17:25:45.998Z"
trust_score: 88
critic_score: 85
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-03T17:15:35.813495+00:00"
---

# Finland holds largest civil defence exercise in Europe since 1945 amid Russia tensions

*Over 2,000 participants in Kuopio rehearsed responses to cyberattacks, missile strikes and infrastructure sabotage*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 88 of 100, higher is better. AP report includes named sources, documents, and specific figures.
- Craft 85 of 100, higher is better. AP report quotes affected parties and explains context.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Headlines are proportionate to the exercise scale.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Finland’s civil defence exercise in Kuopio on 2-3 September 2026 was the largest in Europe since 1945, with over 2,000 participants rehearsing responses to cyberattacks and missile strikes.
- The drill used a rock-hewn shelter designed to withstand nuclear or biological attacks, with conscripts in hazmat suits measuring radiation levels as part of the simulation.
- Finnish authorities reported increased cyberattacks on energy infrastructure and unexplained reflective stickers on vulnerable sites, though no evidence of Russian sabotage was found.
- Outlets disagreed on whether the exercise was a direct response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine or a broader preparedness measure for hybrid threats.

Finland held a civil defence exercise in the central city of Kuopio on 2-3 September 2026, the largest in Europe since the end of World War II. Over 2,000 participants, including conscripts, volunteers and students, took part in the drill, which simulated cyberattacks disrupting power and water supplies and the threat of missile strikes from Russia. The exercise used a sports hall converted into a rock-hewn shelter designed to withstand nuclear or biological attacks. Finnish conscripts in hazmat suits measured radiation levels during the simulation, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service investigated drone sightings and reflective stickers found on infrastructure but concluded there was no evidence of Russian sabotage. Savon Voima, a Finnish energy company, reported a rise in cyberattacks since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the discovery of unexplained stickers on vulnerable parts of its network. The company’s CEO, Juha Räsänen, said an explosion at those sites could have destroyed a dam, though no perpetrators were identified.

## How the reports diverged on Russia’s role

The left-rated reports, including the Associated Press, framed the exercise as a response to Russia’s broader campaign of sabotage across Europe, citing Western officials who linked fires, drone attacks and infrastructure strikes to Moscow. The centre-rated digests, such as those from Euronews and Military.com, carried the same claim but did not lead with it. The right-rated digests, including Breitbart and Protothema, described the drill as a direct preparation for a potential Russian attack, with Protothema stating that citizens were "training for an attack by Russia". None of the digests from any side disputed the exercise’s scale or the threats it addressed.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mentioned the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s conclusion that drone sightings and reflective stickers were likely unrelated to sabotage. The centre-rated digests omitted the historical context of Finnish-Soviet conflicts, including the veterans’ accounts carried by the Associated Press. Only the Associated Press’s full report included the Ukrainian student’s perspective on the value of civil defence training.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 34 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 32% (11)
- Centre: 39% (13)
- Right: 29% (10)

29 of 63 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-03T17:15:35.813495+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-03T17:30:18.240Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The seven left-rated digests and the Associated Press’s full report led on the exercise’s scale and the historical context of Finnish resilience. The Associated Press quoted Finnish veterans recalling Soviet bombings during World War II and a Ukrainian student who sheltered in a stairwell during the 2022 invasion. The report also included the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s statement that drone sightings and stickers were likely unrelated to sabotage. Helsingin Sanomat’s digest noted the shelter’s capacity constraints, reporting that less than one square metre of space was allocated per person.

### Centre

- The seven centre-rated digests, including those from Euronews and The Hill, focused on the exercise’s technical aspects and the immediate threats it addressed. Euronews repeated the claim that Russia was conducting a campaign of sabotage across Europe, while My Mother Lode and Washington Top News led with the shelter’s design and the conscripts’ role in measuring radiation. None of the centre-rated digests quoted Finnish veterans or Ukrainian perspectives, and only VRT’s digest mentioned public sentiment, citing a participant who said, "We underestimate the risk of attacks."

### Right

- The seven right-rated digests, including those from Breitbart and La Razón, framed the exercise as a direct response to Russia’s aggression. Breitbart and tippinsights led with the shelter’s nuclear-biological protection, while La Razón described the drill as "Finland at war" and emphasised the 72-hour survival scenario. Korrespondent.net and Iefimerida explicitly linked the exercise to a "war with Russia", with Iefimerida’s digest stating that the drill was based on a "particularly worrying scenario". None of the right-rated digests mentioned the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s findings on drone sightings or stickers.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 8
- high: 18
- unknown: 29
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Independent.md](https://independent.md/cel-mai-mare-exercitiu-de-protectie-civila-din-europa-postbelica-finlanda-isi-pregateste-populatia-pentru-scenariul-unui-razboi-cu-rusia) — The Largest Civil Protection Exercise in Post-War Europe: Finland Prepares Its Population for the Scenario of a War with Russia
- [www.cnews.fr](https://cnews.fr/monde/2026-09-03/face-la-menace-russe-la-finlande-lance-son-plus-grand-exercice-de-defense-civile) — In the Face of the Russian Threat, Finland Launches Its Largest Civil Defence Exercise Since the Second World War
- [veridica.ro](https://veridica.ro/stiri/exercitiu-de-aparare-civila-in-finlanda) — Civil Defence Exercise in Finland
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/d851e2442adbdf07) — With Eye On Moscow, Finland Stages Historic Post-WWII Civil Defense Drill
- [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/watch-with-eye-on-moscow-finland-stages-historic-post-wwii-civil-defense-drill) — With Eye On Moscow, Finland Stages Historic Post-WWII Civil Defense Drill
- [Korrespondent.net](https://korrespondent.net/world/4908736-fynliandyia-hotovyt-naselenye-k-voine-s-rossyei) — Finland Prepares the Population for War with Russia
- [Javanews.al](https://javanews.al/me-e-madhja-qe-nga-lufta-e-dyte-boterore-mbi-2-mije-persona-ne-stervitjen-e-mbrojtjes-civile-ne-finlande-frike-nga-lufta-dhe-katastrofat) — The Largest Since World War II, over 2 Thousand People in Civil Defense Training in Finland! Fear of War and Disasters
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/world/11112394/finland-runs-europes-biggest-civil-defense-exercise-since-the-cold-war.html) — Finland runs Europe’s biggest civil defense exercise since the Cold War
- [vecernji.ba](https://vecernji.ba/svijet/video-ovo-u-europi-nije-videno-od-drugog-svjetskog-rata-vise-od-2-tisuce-ljudi-uci-kako-prezivjet-raketni-napad-1992055) — VIDEO This Has Not Been Seen in Europe Since the Second World War: More than 2 Thousand People Learn How to Survive a Rocket Attack
- [Helsingin Sanomat](https://hs.fi/alueet/art-2000012210942.html) — HS in Kuopio | Sports Hall Converted Into a Civil Defense Shelter: Less than a Square Meter of Space Reserved per Person
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/internacional/finlandia-pie-guerra-realiza-mayor-ejercicio-defensa-civil-europa-segunda-guerra-mundial_202609036a9964232d7d3022177d2f47.html) — Finland at War: Europe's Largest Civil Defence Exercise Since World War II
- [Creta24](https://creta24.gr/i-finlandia-etoimazetai-gia-to-cheirotero-askisi-mamoyth-gia-rosiki-epithesi-symmetechoyn-chiliades-polites) — Finland Prepares for the Worst: Mammoth Exercise for Russian Attack, Thousands of Citizens Participate
- [star.gr](https://star.gr/eidiseis/kosmos/727029/finlandia-terastia-askhsh-gia-pithanh-rwsikh-epithesh) — Photos From Finland's Exercise for a Possible Russian Attack #StarGrNews
- [δημοκρατία](https://dimokratia.gr/kosmos/740485/i-finlandia-proevi-sti-megalyteri-askisi-politikis-amynas-stin-eyropi-apo-ton) — Finland Conducted the Largest Civil Defense Exercise in Europe Since World War II
- [albeu.com](https://albeu.com/lajme/bota/finlanda-zhvillon-stervitjen-me-te-madhe-te-mbrojtjes-civile-qe-prej-luftes-se-dyte-boterore-pergatitet-per-nje-sulm-te-mundshem-rus/996344) — Finland Holds Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since World War II, Prepares for Possible Russian Attack
- [Večernji list](https://vecernji.hr/vijesti/video-ovo-u-europi-nije-videno-od-drugog-svjetskog-rata-vise-od-2-tisuce-ljudi-uci-kako-prezivjet-arketni-napad-1992050) — VIDEO This Has Not Been Seen in Europe Since the Second World War: More than 2 Thousand People Learn How to Survive a Rocket Attack
- [Indeksonline.net](https://indeksonline.net/finlanda-pergatitet-per-nje-sulm-te-mundshem-rus-zhvillon-stervitjen-me-te-madhe-te-mbrojtjes-civile-qe-nga-lufta-e-dyte-boterore) — Finland Prepares for Possible Russian Attack, Holds Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since World War II
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/finlandiya-da-2-binden-fazla-kisinin-katilimiyla-20203421-haberi) — Finland Hosts Europe's Largest Civil Defense Exercise.
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/politik/ausland/mit-ueber-2000-teilnehmern-und-wachsender-sorge-vor-russland-fuehrt-finnland-die-groesste-zivilschutzuebung-europas-seit-dem-zweiten-weltkrieg-durch_1ab66e44-8da1-433b-8d11-48a6c6356858.html) — With over 2000 Participants and Growing Concern for Russia, Finland Has Been Carrying Out Europe's Largest Civil Protection Exercise Since World War II
- [Unknown](https://eleftherostypos.gr/diethni/prova-polemou-sti-finlandia-oi-polites-proetoimazontai-gia-rosiki-epithesi-i-megalyteri-askisi-apo-ton-v-pagkosmio-polemo) — "War Rehearsal" in Finland: Citizens Prepare for Russian Attack - The Largest Exercise Since World War II
- [frognews.bg](https://frognews.bg/novini/finlandiia-trenira-ruski-udar--nai-goliamoto-uchenie-sled-vtorata-svetovna.html) — Finland Trains for Russian Strike – Largest Exercise Since WWII...
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4014362/finlandia-megali-askisi-politikis-prostasias-gia-ton-kinduno-rosikis-epithesis) — Finland: Major Civil Protection Exercise on Risk of Russian Attack
- [ieidiseis.gr](https://ieidiseis.gr/kosmos/858747/senario-epiviosis-72-oron-stin-finlandia-sta-katafygia-chiliades-polites-ypo-ton-fovo-tis-rosias-eikones) — 72-Hour Survival Scenario in Finland: Thousands of Civilians in Shelters Under Fear of Russia (Pictures)
- [Breitbart](https://breitbart.com/europe/2026/09/03/finland-runs-europes-biggest-civil-defense-exercise-since-cold-war) — Finland Runs Europe's Biggest Civil Defense Exercise Since Cold War
- [flash.gr](https://flash.gr/i-finlandia-etoimazetai-gia-polemo-2-000-anthropoi-se-askisi-politikis-amynas-sto-stochastro-i-rosiki-apeili-1079605) — "Finland Is Preparing for War": 2,000 People in Defense Exercise Under Russian Threat
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1873416/i-finlandia-ekpaideuetai-gia-epithesi-apo-ti-rosia-sti-megaluteri-askisi-politikis-amunas-stin-europi-apo-ton-v-pagosmio) — Finland Trains for Attack by Russia in Europe's Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since World War II
- [Newsit.gr](https://newsit.gr/kosmos/me-to-vlemma-sti-rosia-i-finlandia-kanei-ti-megalyteri-askisi-politikis-amynas-stin-eyropi-apo-ton-v-pagkosmio-polemo-deite-eikones/4764631) — With an Eye on Russia: Finland Conducts the Largest Civil Defense Exercise in Europe Since World War II - See Images
- [Military.com](https://military.com/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a Wary Eye on Russia, Finland Runs Europe's Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since WWII
- [Aktual24](https://aktual24.ro/finlanda-se-pregateste-pentru-un-posibil-atac-peste-2-000-de-oameni-mobilizati-in-cel-mai-mare-exercitiu-de-protectie-civila-din-europa-dupa-al-doilea-razboi-mondial) — Finland Is Preparing for a Possible Attack. More than 2,000 People Mobilized in Europe's Largest Civil Protection Exercise After the Second World War
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — Finland runs Europe’s biggest civil defense exercise since the Cold War
- [realitatea.md](https://realitatea.md/finlanda-se-pregateste-pentru-o-criza-majora-cel-mai-mare-exercitiu-de-protectie-civila-din-europa-de-dupa-razboi) — Finland Is Preparing for a Major Crisis: Europe's Largest Post-War Civil Protection Exercise
- [savonsanomat.fi – Savon Sanomat](https://savonsanomat.fi/paikalliset/9762378) — A Polish Engineer Was More Surprised by the Finns than the Technology in Luola – This Is How the Volunteers' Night Went
- [pelop.gr](https://pelop.gr/finlandia-pano-apo-2-000-polites-symmeteichan-sti-megalyteri-askisi-politikis-amynas) — Finland: Over 2,000 Citizens Participated in the Largest Civil Defense Exercise
- [vrt](https://vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/kijk/2026/09/03/video-finland-oefening-burgers-schuilkelder) — VIDEO Finland Tests Bomb Shelters with 2,000 Citizens: "We Underestimate the Risk of Attacks"
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/i-finlandia-etoimazetai-gia-heirotero-askisi-mamoyth) — Finland Prepares for the Worst: Mammoth Exercise for Russian Attack, Thousands of Civilians Participate -See Pictures - iefimerida.gr
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/finlanda-se-pregateste-pentru-ce-e-mai-rau-cel-mai-mare-exercitiu-de-protectie-civila-din-europa-de-dupa-al-doilea-razboi-mondial-23801064) — Finland Is Preparing for the Worst: Europe's Largest Civil Protection Exercise After the Second World War
- [Dnevni list Danas](https://danas.rs/svet/finska-rusija-ukrajina) — “Don't Believe What Moscow Says, but Watch What It Does”: Finland's Largest Civil Protection Exercise Since the End of World War II
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/svit/naybilshi-navchannia-vid-chasiv-druhoyi-svitovoyi-finliandiia-trenuye-hromadian-na-vypadok-napadu-putina-3161423.html) — Biggest Training Since World War II: Finland Trains Citizens in Case of Putin Attack
- [Origo](https://origo.hu/kulpol/2026/09/putyin-atomhaboru-ovohely) — They Are Afraid of Putin: Finns Are Preparing for Nuclear War, Thousands Have Taken Shelter
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/finlanda-zhvillon-stervitjen-me-te-madhe-te-mbrojtjes-civile-ne-evrope-qe-nga-lufta-e-dyte-boterore) — Finland Holds Largest Civil Defense Exercise in Europe Since World War II
- [europost.gr](https://europost.gr/?p=823874) — Finland Prepares for World War - Evacuation Exercise Involving Thousands of Citizens: "It Is Important that People Are prepared..."
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/kosmos/story/1760702/i-finlandia-etoimazetai-gia-ton-g-pagkosmio-polemo-askisi-ekkenosis-xiliadon-politon) — Finland Prepares for World War III - Evacuation Exercise for Thousands of Citizens
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/my-europe/2026/09/03/with-an-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defence-exercise-since-wwii) — Finland runs Europe's largest civil defence exercise since WWII
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/news/article-16101373/Finland-defence-WW2-Putin-attack.html) — Finland holds Europe's largest civil defence exercise since WWII
- [puterea.ro](https://puterea.ro/exercitiu-aparare-civila-finlanda-kuopio) — Civil Defence Exercise in Finland: Scenario with Russian Attack
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/with-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defence-exercise-since-wwii/articleshow/133727989.cms) — With wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defence exercise since WWII
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe’s largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/09/03/finland-russia-civil-defense-cyberattack-sabotage/d7831006-a75d-11f1-9e38-f705d048bd5a_story.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/world/2026/09/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe’s largest civil defense exercise since WWII – WTOP News
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil de
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/09/03/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/finland-russia-kuopio-ukraine-europe-b3043894.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/finland-russia-civil-defense-cyberattack-sabotage-3ea6f75d826669c6be138a0496934b5b) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/finland-russia-kuopio-ukraine-europe-b3043894.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [WBOC 16](https://wboc.com/news/international/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii/article_b93c9116-cd56-5ea1-9a6a-6dd4f1b27ec0.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [Madison Courier](https://madisoncourier.com/ap/news/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii/article_eede20bb-83a2-5130-9383-f89c6622d952.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [Goshen News](https://goshennews.com/news/national_news/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii/article_9ceda4eb-1319-50ce-9116-6325b222837b.html) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/wary-eye-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-136164627) — Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/09/03/with-a-wary-eye-on-russia-finland-runs-europes-largest-civil-defense-exercise-since-wwii) — With a wary eye on Russia, Finland runs Europe's largest civil defense exercise since WWII
- [Stirile Pro TV](https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/finlanda-a-declansat-cel-mai-mare-exercitiu-de-aparare-civila-din-europa-de-dupa-cel-de-al-doilea-razboi-mondial.html) — Finland Launched the Largest Civil Defence Exercise in Europe After the Second World War
- [Helsinki Times](https://helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/29227-finland-investigates-possible-airspace-violation-after-drone-found-near-porvoo.html) — Headline Unavailable
- [Ilta-Sanomat](https://is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000012247888.html) — An Extraordinary Sight in Finland – a Giant Civil Defense Shelter Filled with People
- [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20243521) — 2,000 Young People Were Locked up in a Civilian Shelter in Kuopio – the Internet Wasn't Working Properly and There Were Too Few Beds

## Questions

**How many people took part in Finland’s civil defence exercise?**

Over 2,000 participants, including conscripts, volunteers and students, took part in the exercise in Kuopio on 2-3 September 2026. The drill was the largest in Europe since the end of World War II and tested responses to cyberattacks and missile threats from Russia.

**What threats did the Finnish exercise simulate?**

The exercise simulated cyberattacks disrupting power and water supplies and the threat of missile strikes from Russia. Participants rehearsed sheltering in a rock-hewn bunker designed to withstand nuclear or biological attacks, with conscripts measuring radiation levels during the drill.

**Did Finnish authorities find evidence of Russian sabotage?**

The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service investigated drone sightings and reflective stickers on infrastructure but found no evidence of Russian sabotage. Savon Voima, an energy company, reported increased cyberattacks and unexplained stickers on vulnerable sites since 2022.

**Which outlets linked the exercise directly to Russia’s actions in Ukraine?**

Right-rated digests, including Breitbart and Protothema, framed the exercise as a direct response to Russia’s aggression, with Protothema stating that citizens were "training for an attack by Russia". Left-rated reports, such as the Associated Press, linked it to Russia’s broader sabotage campaign in Europe.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Finland holds largest civil defence exercise in Europe since 1945 amid Russia tensions", https://mediabias.news/conflict/finland-holds-largest-civil-defence-exercise-in-europe-since-1945-amid-russia-te