Helsinki, Finland – Beneath the bustling streets of Finland's capital lies a vast network of bunkers and tunnels, designed to protect its citizens in the event of a military conflict. The underground facilities can accommodate up to 900,000 people, despite the city's population of around 680,000. Currently, many of these bunkers serve recreational purposes, featuring sports facilities, cafes, and playgrounds for children. However, their primary function is to ensure safety during wartime.

"This is the backbone of our safety system," said Tomi Rask, a local official. He emphasized that while the bunkers are used for leisure, they are intended for serious emergencies. Some bunkers, like the Merihaka Civil Defence Shelter, can hold up to 6,000 people and are equipped with medical supplies, ventilation systems, and basic amenities. In a crisis, these facilities can quickly be converted from recreational spaces to secure shelters, sealed off from the outside world.

Concerns about a potential Russian attack have heightened among Finns, especially given the country's long border with Russia, which stretches 1,340 kilometers. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified these fears. Finland has a history of conflict with Russia, notably during the Winter War of 1939, when it lost nearly 10% of its territory.

Elina Valtonen, Finland's Foreign Minister, noted the importance of preparedness. "We were luckily able to fend [the Soviets] off, but at the same time, what has remained is this sort of cautiousness that we are strongly aware that Russia might be a threat again at some point in the future," she said. Valtonen emphasized the need to prepare for various crises, not just war, stating, "For a small nation, preparedness is a matter of existence. Finland has learned it the hard way."

Mandatory military service is another key component of Finland's defense strategy. All male citizens aged 18 to 60 are required to undergo military training, while women can volunteer. This policy has resulted in approximately 900,000 reservists, or about 20% of the population, ready to serve if necessary. Many young Finns view military service as a rite of passage.

Vincent Holmström, a 21-year-old conscript, expressed the sentiment shared by many: "We need to be ready to defend ourselves and our land and what we have. We have to defend our government and the things that we believe in, because if we don't do that then there's no point in having it."

Public support for military service remains strong. A recent poll indicated that 78% of respondents believe Finns should take up arms to defend their country, even in uncertain situations. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Finland shifted its stance from neutrality to joining NATO and began constructing a 200-kilometer fence along part of its border with Russia.

The closure of land crossings with Russia has significantly impacted border towns like Imatra, which previously thrived on Russian tourism. Mayor Matius Hilden noted, "The city center is now quite quiet ... and some people have had to move away because the work is gone." Local business owner Tiina Kärkäs-Sund lamented the loss of customers but acknowledged that many in the region support the border's closure until peace is restored in Ukraine.

As tensions continue to rise, military analysts have observed an increase in Russian military assets near its borders with NATO countries. Emil Kastahelmi, a military analyst, reported that satellite imagery shows significant expansion at Russian bases close to Finland. "In the last maybe a year or two, Luga now has actually more military equipment than it had before the Russian invasion of Ukraine," he said.

With the ongoing geopolitical tensions, Finland remains vigilant, ensuring its citizens are prepared for any potential threats from its neighbor to the east.