Finland

Most of Ukraine's public debt consists of long-term concessional loans from international partners. According to the Ministry of Finance, 10 countries provided grant assistance to Ukraine, namely: The United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, and Iceland.

Zelenskyy met with newly elected President Alexander Stubb at the Munich Security Conference, thanked him for condemning Russian aggression, and informed him of Ukraine's defense priorities and the importance of Finland's support for Ukraine's path to NATO.

NATO is developing plans to deploy the Alliance's armed forces across Europe in response to Russia's intensification of its defense industry and military buildup over the past year.

At the Munich Security Conference, U. S. officials will reassure allies of NATO's commitment amid political instability caused by Trump.

Due to increased migration pressure from Russia, Estonia has warned that it may be forced to close some border crossing points.

The newly elected President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, said that he sees no point in meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin because of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.

Israel's Foreign Minister demanded the resignation of UN Commissioner-General Filippe Lazzarini after reports of a Hamas tunnel for Palestinian refugees and works (UNRWA) discovered under the agency's headquarters in Gaza.

The International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War has presented an Environmental Treaty for Ukraine, which aims to compensate for all environmental damage caused by Russia's war and help restore Ukraine as an ecological state.

The Ministers of Trade of Canada and Finland discussed their strong commitment to supporting Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction through cooperation on the transition to a green economy and responsible extraction of critical minerals.

Finland has extended the closure of the border with Russia for another two months, until April 14, due to security risks.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Hungarian parliament may ratify Sweden's application for NATO membership after it reconvenes in late February.

The Italian company continues to supply weapons to Russia through third-party intermediaries despite the sanctions.

By October 2024, the Czech government will request the opinion of the National Economic Council on the feasibility of joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) as a prerequisite for the introduction of the euro.

Representatives of Ukraine and Sweden discussed the financial terms and obligations of Ukraine to participate in the project, as well as the terms, conditions, and mechanism for the procurement of CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles.

Austrian museums deny claims that Egon Schiele's paintings, which belonged to a Jewish collector, were looted by the Nazis.

Hungary's parliament will meet on Monday at the request of opposition parties to consider ratification of Sweden's NATO membership application.

Syrian citizens are being deceived into signing contracts with the Russian military, promising them jobs and citizenship, but in reality being sent to fight in Ukraine.

Ukraine is actively developing partnerships in the defense industry, having concluded dozens of agreements on joint arms production with more than two dozen countries.

Finland did not grant asylum to any of the migrants who arrived from Russia across the border at the end of last year.

Israel calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resign after allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in a Hamas attack.

According to the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, russia is deliberately disrupting GPS in Europe to test equipment and interference capabilities amid potential future conflicts with NATO.

Zelenskyy thanked Finnish President Sauli Niinistö for his personal support of Ukraine, including defense assistance and advocacy for Ukraine's integration into Euro-Atlantic organizations.

In 2023, Ukraine was ranked 104th out of 180 countries in the Global Corruption Perceptions Index, improving its position by 3 points and receiving 36 points out of 100. Over the past 10 years since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has added 11 points, the largest increase among the current EU candidate countries.

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb received the most votes (27. 2%) in the first round of the presidential election in Finland. He will face former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (25.8% of the vote) in the second round on February 11.

The United Kingdom, Italy and Finland have suspended funding for the UN Refugee Agency in Gaza following allegations that some staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Earlier, the United States, Australia and Canada also froze funding for the Agency.

Finland has decided to send Ukraine the 21st package of military aid worth 106 million euros, the content of which is not disclosed for security reasons.

The Economist magazine named Greece the Country of the Year for its successful economic reforms and recovery from the debt crisis. The country continues to develop despite past difficulties.

Turkish President Erdogan has made Sweden's accession to NATO a condition for the United States to approve Turkey's request to buy F-16 fighter jets and called on Canada to end its arms embargo on Turkey.

Estonia has made the necessary exceptions to sanctions against russia to avoid environmental hazards associated with stuck fertilizers and to ensure a transition away from russian investments.

ISW analyzed statements by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who emphasized ongoing military expansion and preparations to support the war in Ukraine. Shoigu repeated threats against NATO. as ISW notes, Russia's military growth is mostly a confirmation of existing troop levels, not new builds.