Finland
Finnish cuisine was shaped by the climate and nature, combining simple and hearty dishes made with fish, game meat, berries, and dairy products. Traditional dishes such as kalakukko and kalakeitto reflect a unique combination of ingredients.
Finland did not refuse to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as it does not have them in service. The country is participating in the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine, but does not have any interceptors of its own.
The Supreme Court of Russia upheld a lawsuit filed by the Rodina party and annulled the registration of Yabloko’s list for the State Duma elections. The party plans to appeal the decision, which will not take effect until the procedures are completed.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said that the country would not be able to supply Ukraine with missiles for the Patriot system due to its dependence on U. S. production and its own defense readiness. He stressed the importance of these munitions’ stockpiles in European countries.
Starting March 2, 2027, applicants for Finnish citizenship will have to pass a test on knowledge of society. The University of Helsinki is developing the test.
Spain has introduced border controls at all air and sea crossings with Italy due to a dispute over migrants. Italy had previously suspended the Schengen Agreement, citing an influx of migrants into Ceuta.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb possible assistance to strengthen protection against Russian ballistic missiles. The parties also considered diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Russia has officially refused to participate in the 2027 Men's Volleyball World Cup, which will be held in Poland. The decision regarding the women's tournament has not yet been made, but the Russians will play in the Nations League.
The President of Ukraine stated that Russian drones are hunting people in Kherson and called on the world to cooperate. He emphasized that the Russian war must not spread to other countries.
Former Supo chief Antti Peltari has been charged with breach of official duties. The case concerns the involvement of pensioners in countering Russian espionage in 2020.
SBU and GUR took fourth place in the ranking of European intelligence services by L'Express, scoring 77 points. Experts noted the ingenuity of Ukrainian intelligence services and their complex operations.
At least 57 people died trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, after about 50,000 migrants entered this territory from Morocco.
António Costa approved Spain's decisive actions to return migrants in Ceuta. The escalation of the migration crisis led to the death of at least 57 people.
About 60,000 migrants reached Spanish Ceuta from Morocco, 34 people died. Spain deployed the army, Prime Minister Sanchez called it an attack on territorial integrity.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Washington convinced American lawmakers of Ukraine's ability to win the war. He emphasized that new sanctions could force the kremlin to sit down at the negotiating table.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The leaders discussed diplomacy and preparations for important meetings in August.
The Russian regulator has allowed Rosatom to carry out preparatory work for two new reactors at the Kola Nuclear Power Plant, 100 km from Finland. Finland considers replacing old reactors safer, but cooperation has been suspended due to the war.
Russia is conducting a "Zero Phase" campaign to create conditions for provocations against NATO countries. ISW analysts point to the possible use of captured Ukrainian drones for false flag operations.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the Russian Federation could use captured Ukrainian drones for provocations against NATO countries. Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, and Romania could be at risk.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha met with a delegation of representatives from 23 OSCE countries. He emphasized the need to release the Ukrainian SMM OSCE staff members whom Russia has been holding since 2022.
Finland imposed a temporary restriction on maritime and air traffic in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. The restriction was a precautionary measure to ensure safety from possible drone attacks.
Hungary's Defense Minister Romulus Rusin-Szendi stated the need to distance from Russia. The new government apologized to Finland for blocking its NATO accession.
Russian military hastily erects hangars and barracks on deforested areas. This is the Kremlin's reaction to Finland's accession to NATO.
A group of Ukrainian servicemen took part in the annual parade on the Champs-Élysées. They marched at the end, receiving warm applause.
Netherlands summons Russian ambassador over hacking of video surveillance cameras on military aid routes to Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed a firm protest and continued support for Ukraine.
Germany summoned the Russian ambassador over cyberattacks against Germany, the EU, and Ukraine. The EU imposed sanctions against nine individuals and four organizations involved in cyber operations.
Under Helsinki, there is a network of over 5,500 bomb shelters capable of sheltering nearly a million people in the event of a nuclear attack or Russian invasion. The shelters are equipped with autonomous systems and are used in peacetime as sports complexes.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The leaders discussed strengthening air defense and agreed to work together on this.
MEPs from Finland and Denmark have been accused of racist remarks after a vote on deportation centers. A complaint was filed with the President of the European Parliament over online harassment of a colleague of Iraqi origin.
Net donors and beneficiaries criticized the initial EU budget proposal. Germany demands spending cuts, while Spain considers the budget insufficient.