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UKRAINE: Tomahawks before Christmas?

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Now that the Israel–Gaza conflict has been “resolved,” attention is gradually shifting back to Ukraine. Unfortunately, the United States once again appears to be siding with the wrong side. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what has happened over the past few days and discuss the implications of these events. ANOTHER MEETING AT THE WHITE HOUSE Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. A key topic of discussion was whether the United States would agree to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The meeting ended without any firm commitments, which came as little surprise to observers. A day earlier, Trump had spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the call, Trump announced plans to meet Putin in Budapest for a future summit — a move that has raised concerns among U.S. allies about Washington’s current approach to the conflict. These developments have left many questioning the direction of American policy ...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: Let's Talk about War Refugees

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There has been some discussion in the Finnish media about whether Ukrainians who have settled in Finland will return home once the war ends. Around 70% now say it’s unlikely they will go back. This number has steadily increased as the war has dragged on year after year. In this blog post, I want to reflect on what it means to be a war refugee in general. I don’t intend to focus on any specific country, though Ukraine is naturally the first example that comes to mind. It’s important to recognize that all war refugees, regardless of nationality, endure similar kinds of suffering and loss.   NO HOME, NO COUNTRY, NO LAND   Around 6.9 million Ukrainians have left their country since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Most found refuge in Europe, while others resettled in the Americas and beyond. In the early days, many believed they would return home once the war ended. But after more than three years of fighting, returning now seems unlikely. Many refugees, m...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: Are We Ready for War?

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Much has been said across Europe about the possibility of a future conflict with Russia. Various timelines have been suggested — three years, five years, or perhaps even sooner. There seems to be a growing consensus that Russia is preparing for some form of confrontation with Europe, whether a limited skirmish or a full-scale war. The timeline remains uncertain, largely because Putin’s troops and military resources are still deeply engaged in Ukraine. In this blog post, I want to explore this issue further. Are we truly on the brink of a NATO–Russia conflict? How prepared is Russia? And is Europe ready for what might come? WHY DO WE THINK RUSSIA IS INTERESTED IN WAR WITH EUROPE? There are several reasons why many believe Russia may be preparing for a future conflict with Europe. For years, Moscow has viewed NATO’s expansion as a direct challenge to its sphere of influence. The Kremlin frequently portrays NATO’s presence near its borders as Western aggression, using that narrative to ju...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: Europe at the Crossroads, Time to Confront Russia’s Escalation

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Europe feels like it’s edging closer to the brink. What started as odd drone sightings has now escalated into repeated air incursions—first from unknown actors, then unmistakably from Russian planes. And when it comes to those drones, Europe’s leaders aren’t mincing words: most either point the finger at Moscow or outright declare it’s Russia testing the waters. But why now? Why this sudden escalation, and why at such a rapid pace? In this post, we’ll dig into what’s happening inside Russia, where Ukraine stands in all of this, and what it could mean for Europe’s future. Is the continent really ready for a skirmish—or something far worse, a direct clash with Russia? And perhaps the most uncomfortable question of all: do Europeans themselves have the will, the grit, the stomach for escalation and the possibility of war?   AIR INCURSIONS ALL OVER EUROPE   Throughout September, tensions in Europe have spiked, with repeated drone and aircraft incursions rattling several countrie...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: Does the United Nations Still Matter?

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This week marked UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) week. It's a time when world leaders gather at the UN headquarters in New York to debate and deliberate on pressing global issues. One of the major topics this year was the question of Palestinian statehood. Several countries, including France and the UK, have recently moved to formally recognize Palestine, joining more than 150 UN member states that already do so. At the same time, strong opposition remains, particularly from the United States and Israel. Amid these debates, a larger question loomed: does the United Nations still matter in today’s turbulent political landscape? In this blog post, I want to explore a simple but urgent question: Does the UN still matter? And if so, can it remain strong in a world where global systems seem increasingly fragile and outdated. WHAT IS THE UNITED NATIONS?   The United Nations was born in 1945 out of the wreckage of World War II, meant to replace the failed League of Nations and to...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: Should Russians Be Blamed for Putin’s War?

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This post may spark controversy, but it’s a discussion we can’t avoid in today’s war landscape. Should ordinary Russians be forced to pay the price for Putin’s war — or should the burden fall solely on oligarchs and siloviki? Sanctions on the “little man” may feel unjust, yet sparing them entirely raises its own moral and strategic dilemmas. Who should justly bear the cost? THE IDEA OF “RUSSKYI MYR” We’ve talked before about how Putin wants to unite Russian speakers under Russia’s influence, much like in the Soviet era. This idea of “Russkyi Mir” — the Russian World — is a key part of why he invaded Ukraine. He doesn’t fully recognize Ukraine as an independent country, seeing it instead as part of Russia’s historical and cultural sphere. Putin has even said that any place where Russian soldiers have set foot could be considered Russian — a very imperial way of thinking. It’s also worth noting that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania each have significant Russian-speaking populations. These ...
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EDITOR'S CORNER: The Devil Isn’t Immigration — It’s Far-Right Politics

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Politicians often rely on simple, powerful messages to rally support. The far right, in particular, thrives on polarizing ideas and fearmongering. They don’t have to look far for a villain. For decades, immigration has been their favorite scapegoat — a symbol twisted into fear, resentment, and division. But immigration isn’t the problem. Often, it’s part of the solution to an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and a thriving multicultural society. The real danger lies in the politics of demonization — a tactic designed not to protect communities, but to consolidate power. In this post, I’ll explore why the far right blames foreigners during hard times, and why they push the false promise that life will improve if immigrants simply disappear. WHY THE FAR RIGHT ALWAYS TARGETS IMMIGRANTS IN HARD TIMES When economies falter or societies face uncertainty, the far right needs an easy target. Immigrants and refugees often fit the bill perfectly. By blaming foreigners for job losses, ris...
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