STRIKE THE TRUTH

This week, we will examine why Ukraine should be permitted to strike targets within Russia. Western partners must grant Ukraine full discretion in using weapons to defend against the illegal Russian invasion. In this blog post, we will evaluate the current state of the war, the advantages Ukraine could gain by striking targets beyond its borders and deep within Russia, and their capabilities. We will also touch on the morality of war and each country's right to self-defense. HOW IS THE WAR GOING? The war has been at a stalemate for a long time. However, in recent months, Russia has been making slow but steady gains toward Kharkiv. Russia has opened a second front in the area and is aggressively pushing towards Ukraine's second-largest city. This offensive began on May 9th. This means that Russia is pushing Ukraine's defenses to the brink. In Kharkiv, daily bombings target civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. On the front lines, Ukrainian troops are exh

I recently started read "Putin's World War: Russia's Covert Operations to Destroy the West"  by Finnish journalist Jessikka Aro. The book provides an in-depth investigative approach of the 2010 Polish  presidential plane crash in Smolensk . This book reminded me of another intriguing air disaster connected to the Russians: the shootdown of the Kaleva passenger and freight plane en route from Tallinn to Helsinki. This tragic incident occurred amidst rising tensions between Finland, Estonia, and the Soviet Union.  In this blog post, we will examine the downing of the Kaleva plane, the surrounding incidents, and the aftermath of this tragic event. The Aero O/Y Airplane was a Junkers Ju-52 plane  BACKGROUND INTO THE EVENTS   The late 1930s and early 1940s were marked by significant political unrest in Europe. With the Soviet Union expanding its influence in the Baltic region, both Finland and Estonia found themselves under increasing pressure. The Kaleva plane, operated b

This week, prepare to delve into the captivating life of Ülo Sooster, a trailblazing Estonian modern artist. Born with a rebellious spirit, he found himself shackled by the oppressive grip of the Soviet Union. Yet, his passion for art coursed through his veins, driving his very existence. Tragically, his artistic expression collided with the iron fist of authority, leading to his arrest and a harrowing journey to a Stalinist gulag. But what became of Ülo amidst the unforgiving confines of the gulag? Did the relentless toil of forced labor crush his spirit, or did it ignite a fire within him, fueling his creative vision? Let's unravel the enigmatic tale of survival, resilience, and the profound influence of adversity on Ülo's artistry.  Ülo Sooster (Photo Collection of the Art Museum of Estonia) EARLY LIFE Ülo Sooster was born on 17 October 1924 on the small island of Hiiumaa, Estonia. The family owned a large farm, known as the Pendi Farm, and were quite wealthy by the standard

Stand at the edge of Suursaari, a pivotal point in the Baltic Sea, where the echoes of centuries-long conflicts reverberate through its soil. Situated just 40 kilometers from Kotka, 110 kilometers from Helsinki, and 140 kilometers from Tallinn, this island, also known as Gogland, currently lies under Russian control. In this blog post, we delve into the turbulent history of Suursaari, a coveted jewel in the Baltic. We unravel the reasons behind its enduring allure and examine its geostrategic significance, pondering the potential future roles of this island amidst the vast expanse of what is now a NATO-dominated region. Suursaari is filled with high ridges and lakes, picture credit: SA Kuva  EARLY HISTORY   Suursaari, nestled in the Baltic Sea, boasts a history that stretches back to antiquity, bearing witness to the footsteps of ancient settlers as far back as the Stone Age. The island's strategic position made it an attractive prospect for early inhabitants seeking both natural r