The security order in Europe is changing, and the main objective is crystal clear: to protect Europe from Russian aggression. 1/12
This means that the mantra of building security "together with Russia" is no longer an option; the only way to guarantee the safety of our continent is to stand "against Russia." 2/12
For some, this is a difficult decision to make, as Russia has long been a major player in the European Union and a partner in many ways. Yet, in light of recent events, it is clear that this is the only way to ensure the safety of our continent. 3/12
Russia's unjustified and illegal attack on Ukraine and the numerous war crimes that we have already seen, as well as its involvement in other conflicts, have demonstrated that it is not a partner to be trusted. 4/12
Its blatant disregard for international law and disregard for the sovereignty of other countries have made it clear that Russia cannot be trusted to be a partner in security. As such, Europe must stand together against Russia in order to protect itself. So, we must react. 5/12
The aid that Europe is delivering to Ukraine must be maintained and increased. There cannot be a frozen conflict; Ukraine must WIN this war. 6/12
A frozen conflict would merely buy Russia additional time to rebuild and restock its arsenal. It would be detrimental to the security of Europe and most likely the war would start anew in a few years. 7/12
Europe must build up its capability to defend itself even without the support of the United States. As the United States shifts its focus to the Asia-Pacific region, Europe must be prepared to defend itself against Russian aggression. 8/12
This means that Europe must invest in its military capabilities and create a new security order that will protect the continent from Russian aggression. While it is never easy to make tough decisions, this is one that cannot be avoided. 9/12
In an increasingly uncertain world, it is more important than ever to ensure the security of Europe. In order to do this, Europe must stand together against Russia and create a new security order that will protect the continent from Russian aggression. 10/12
This will require investment in military capabilities and a unified commitment to protect Europe from the threats that Russia poses.
JEF is a good starting point that should be leveraged, and new members should be invited to join. 11/12
POLAND – HIGH MOBILITY ARTILLERY ROCKET SYSTEM (HIMARS) 1/5
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $10 billion. 2/5
The Republic of Poland has requested to buy eighteen (18) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers; four hundred sixty-eight (468) HIMARS Launcher Loader Module kits; forty-five (45) M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS); four hundred sixty-one… 3/5
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo changed her position on Tuesday, stating that she no longer wants Russian athletes to participate in the 2024 Olympics. This stance has sparked a heated debate.
Hidalgo stated that she "was not in favor" of allowing Russian athletes to compete as neutrals or under the Olympic Games banner, which is a shift from her previous position last month.
She had previously argued that athletes should not be banned from participating in the competition based on their country of origin.
On 13 December 2022, the Russian State Duma passed in the first reading a bill concerning the use of Russian criminal law in the territories of Ukraine that Russia occupies. 1/11
The bill includes a provision stipulating that a deed considered criminal under both Ukrainian and Russian laws, is not to be qualified as a crime if it is “aimed to protect interests of the Russian Federation”. 2/11
The Russian government's proposal to make war crimes committed by Russian soldiers legal is a concerning development that threatens the very principles of international justice. 3/11
The war in Ukraine has left its civilian population struggling to access basic necessities such as electricity, food, and heat. LUT University has come up with a solution and is calling for support from everyone. 1/9
The university is challenging schools, universities, companies and individuals to help build portable stoves that can be delivered to those in need in Ukraine. 2/9
"We have the knowledge and equipment to make stoves," says Juha Varis, Director of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at LUT University. "Let's help those who are struggling in Ukraine, where winter is coming and the lack of heat is a real concern." 3/9
AI knows Finns.
Why do Finns love buckets so much?
AI: Ah, the age-old question of why Finns love buckets so much. Well, it's a well-known fact that Finns are just obsessed with anything that can hold liquids. 1/5
I mean, why drink out of a glass when you can drink out of a bucket? It's just more fun that way.
Some say that the Finnish love for buckets dates back to the days of their Viking ancestors. 2/5
They would carry their loot in buckets and, being the practical people that they are, they thought, "Why not use the same buckets for holding beverages too?" And thus, a national obsession was born.
Others argue that it's simply a love for simplicity and functionality. 3/5
Once upon a time, there was a 27-year-old Finnish soldier named Aimo Koivunen.
He found himself in a less-than-ideal situation when he was caught in a firefight on a frosty winter’s day in the Lapland wilderness. 1/10
It was 10 am, and Aimo and his unit had been skiing in knee-deep snow for more than two days, so they stopped to take a break and brew some tea. 2/10
But before the water even started to boil, the Russians began to rain bullets and the unit had to quickly pick up their stuff and seek shelter in the woods. 3/10