Alexander Stubb Signals a Shift in Global Nuclear Dynamics
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that the world has entered “a new era of nuclear weapons”, following the recent announcement by the United States that it plans to conduct new nuclear tests — the first since 1992.
Speaking in Helsinki on November 3, 2025, Stubb highlighted that traditional concepts of deterrence and strategic stability among superpowers are undergoing a significant transformation.
“We have entered a new era of nuclear weapons, in which, unfortunately, the importance of nuclear arms is increasing,” Stubb said.
US and Global Nuclear Developments
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to resume nuclear weapons testing, marking a historic shift in American nuclear policy.
The announcement followed Russia’s tests of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and a nuclear-capable underwater drone.
Stubb noted that no country except North Korea has conducted a nuclear explosion for decades, while Russia and China last conducted nuclear tests in 1990 and 1996, respectively.
On Sunday, Trump claimed that Russia and China may have secretly conducted underground nuclear tests, and signaled that the US would follow suit.
Strategic Concerns for Finland
President Stubb emphasized the challenges for a small nation like Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, in navigating this evolving security landscape.
“How can we build deterrence together? How can we control escalation?” Stubb asked, stressing that these are questions Finland must now consider in coordination with its allies.
After decades of military non-alignment, Finland joined NATO in 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reflecting a strategic shift in the Nordic region.
