Russian invasion

The world's response
Norway contributes billions to Ukrainian air defense

The Norwegian government has decided to contribute seven billion kronor to Ukraine's air defense, reports NTB.

Together with Germany, they will pay for two Patriot systems and missiles, in addition to which Norway will also buy air defense radar.

– This is a major investment in effective air defense. The support will give Ukraine important tools to protect Ukrainian lives and contribute to a stronger defense, says Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. 

Voices about the Ukraine war
Stubb goes viral in Russia – believes Finland "wants to resolve the dispute between the countries"

A comment by Finnish President Alexander Stubb is being widely circulated in Russia, reports NRK.

Yesterday, the president said that relations between Finland and Russia "can be started when the war is over". This has made headlines and is now interpreted as Stubb wanting to warm up relations with Russia, with some Russian media even writing that Stubb "wants to resolve the dispute between the countries".

- We have a history with Russia, and we will have a future with Russia, Stubb said in Yle's program Ykkösaamu.

For example, the Russian channel RT, which is known as the Kremlin's propaganda channel, writes that it is historically "extremely rare" for Finland and Russia to have no diplomatic relations. 

Trump whisperer takes seat at the table: “Speaks straight to the point”

Finland’s geographical location makes the country an actor in the negotiations between Ukraine, the US and Russia. That was what their President Alexander Stubb said after his meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. But it is above all his character that has made him Europe’s “Trump whisperer,” writes TT.

Trump praised Stubb during the meeting and said that he “looks better than ever.” The two have met several times, including to play golf. Politico has previously called him “Europe’s special envoy against Trump.” And he is appreciated in the president’s circles.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal at the end of July, US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Stubb has been a bridge between Europe and Trump, and that the two are in contact almost daily.

Stubb himself says that this is because he knows how both Europe and Trump think.

– People know that we Finns have no hidden agenda, and that we speak frankly, Stubb told WSJ.