Finnish defense activist identified behind pro-Russian Telegram channel spreading Russian propaganda as of March 2024.

In March 2024, Finnish investigative outlet Svenska Yle identified a Finnish volunteer defense activist from southwestern Finland linked to administrating the Telegram channel 'Uutishuone,' known for widespread Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns. The channel, operating since early 2022, rapidly escalated activity posting hundreds to over 2000 daily messages by December 2023, predominantly defending Russia's invasion of Ukraine and spreading narratives like labeling Ukrainians as Nazis. The activist, presenting himself as a lieutenant and regional troop instructor, denied administrating the channel but left digital traces tying him to it, including sharing his Instagram handle in the channel's chat. 'Uutishuone' also engaged in anti-vaccine propaganda by hijacking a Finnish vaccine research website in 2021. The Telegram channel closed its chat a day after the article's publication. The Finnish Defence Education Association MPK condemned disinformation and is investigating the case further. This event highlights the exploitation of local actors to amplify hostile Russian information operations inside Finland.