The fear of Putin brought in many clicks and readers, – writes the expert.
Former head of the Security Police SUPO, Saana Nilsson, in her newly released book, criticizes the shift in Finnish discourse about Russia following the start of the war in Ukraine. According to her, previously SUPO was accused of excessively scaring people about Russia, but with the onset of the war, the criticism flipped upside down.
– After that, SUPO's assessments no longer seemed threatening enough. We were expected to provide more sensational assessments, more intimidation, and more threatening scenarios, – Nilsson told Yle in an interview.
She worked in the Finnish Security Police for almost 17 years. Last year, the expert left the agency. In her new book “Guardian Angel – A SUPO Officer's Story of Threats, Loyalty, and Self-Sacrifice,” she shares her experiences working in Finland's most secretive agency.
Nilsson criticizes primarily how Russia has been viewed as the source of all troubles without proper evidence.
– After the start of the war in Ukraine, the media coverage of Russia completely went beyond all limits, – notes Nilsson.
In her book, Nilsson describes how SUPO was surprised by the black-and-white nature of public discourse. According to her, Russia became a convenient scapegoat for various incidents.
– Anyone could comment on threats related to critical infrastructure. Any fishing vessel captain would come forward to provide opinions on cable damages and whether it is possible to notice from the bridge of a ship the size of a multi-story building if an anchor falls into the sea, – writes Nilsson.
She continues her criticism:
– It was easy to comment because to get a newspaper column, it was enough to say that Russia was behind it. There was no need to know anything. There was no need to justify anything.
According to Nilsson, the demand for information after the start of the war was so enormous that “the void was filled with what was available.” She also sees mercantile interests behind this phenomenon.
– Of course, there were also the interests of commercial media behind this. The fear of Putin and Russia brought in many clicks and readers, – writes the expert.
The former head of SUPO also criticizes that Finland has not been able to stop fearing Russia even after joining NATO. In her experience, black-and-white views prevail in society: either you support increased defense spending, or you are on Putin's side.
Nilsson hopes that SUPO will participate more in public discourse and present its fact-based viewpoints.
Currently, Saana Nilsson works as an entrepreneur. She gives lectures and consults company management.
