A Never-Ending War… Russian Forces Target Kherson Oblast Killing 6 people in 24 Hours

On the afternoon of Monday, 8 May 2023, Russian forces once again bombed Kherson Oblast, a province in southern Ukraine, killing 6 people in the past 24 hours (Lozovenko, 2023). Additionally, an assault on the suburb of Antonivka has left a 67-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man injured and hospitalised (Lozovenko, 2023). With the woman unfortunately sustaining several shrapnel wounds to her head, chest, and abdomen, medical professionals are currently attending to her and doing their best to save her life (The Kyiv Independent, 2023). The Kherson Oblast Military Administration has reported the incident and is likely already investigating the instigators of the attack (Petrenko, 2023). Later in the same day, the village of Stanislav came under attack from the Russian military, resulting in four people getting injured (The Kyiv Independent, 2023). Finally, the village of Kizomys was also targeted with bombs, causing the destruction of two houses (Lozovenko, 2023).

Comments Off on A Never-Ending War… Russian Forces Target Kherson Oblast Killing 6 people in 24 Hours

A Step Forward for EU as a Defense Actor: The Jointly Procurement of Ammunition for Ukraine

This Info Flash analysis how from the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union member states took several steps against the Russian government, especially in terms of individual and economic sanctions to publicly condemn the illegal and unjustified aggression of February 2022. This war has been recognized as a wake-up call for the EU, which - for the first time - devoted funds for the supply of lethal weapons to a third country. Specifically, the European Peace Facility (EPF) has become the most important budget tool for the EU to implement a number of active military operations and assistance missions. The latest project put forward by the EU—and partially connected to the EPF—has been a three-track proposal meant to collectively provide Ukraine with additional artillery ammunition. Despite the criticism and doubts that have been raised on the subject, this Info Flash represents a landmark juncture for the EU in terms of military and defence efforts.

Comments Off on A Step Forward for EU as a Defense Actor: The Jointly Procurement of Ammunition for Ukraine

Russia Spy Ships Gather Intelligence in the North Sea for Future Sabotages

On 19 April 2023, a joint investigation of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish public broadcasters found that Russia has been using boats disguised as fishing and research ships to perform surveillance and gather intelligence in the North Sea.

Comments Off on Russia Spy Ships Gather Intelligence in the North Sea for Future Sabotages

Small but Ready: How Finland Has Prepared to Defend Itself

The Nordic nation of Finland is expected to join NATO in the coming months. Despite its size, it will be an asset, not a liability. Finland faces many national security concerns, primarily originating from Russia. However, Finland has gradually developed an impressive military well-equipped to defend the country. Significant procurements in the air force, army, and navy will reinforce Helsinki's vital role in the Baltic and even Arctic theatres. Furthermore, the Finnish comprehensive security model connects state and non-state entities in the interest of national security, leading to greater resilience and preparedness in Finnish society. This model results in a unique hybrid resilience, which is critical considering Russia's propensity for hybrid warfare.

Comments Off on Small but Ready: How Finland Has Prepared to Defend Itself