{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Finnish minister’s remark on Russian threat to Aland Islands dismissed as politicized

"The situation in the Black Sea and Crimea is totally different from that in the Baltic region," says the head of the government of the Aland Islands

A castle in Sund, Aland Islands AP Photo/Lehtikuva, Tor Wennstrom

A castle in Sund, Aland Islands

© AP Photo/Lehtikuva, Tor Wennstrom

HELSINKI, July 30 /TASS/. Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto is pursuing political goals when he says that it is necessary to defend the Aland Islands from occupation, the former Finnish defense minister, Carl Haglund, said on Thursday.

In an interview with the Finnish newspaper Kaleva, Niinisto claimed that Finland should be ready to defend the Aland Islands in view of Ukraine’s crisis and Crimea’s reunification with Russia.

Read also

"It is Finland’s duty to protect the demilitarized status of the Aland Islands," the Finnish ex-defense minister said adding, however, that as a rule military planning was not a subject of public discussions.

"I do not understand why Niinisto is doing that. Apparently, he has a political goal," the Swedish-language Hufvudstadsbladet newspaper, which comes out in Finland, quoted Haglund as saying.

Haglund is convinced that the Aland Islands are no different from other parts of Finland in questions of defense. "We should not fan this issue out of proportion," Haglund said.

Camilla Gunell, the head of the government of the Aland Islands, shared his view.

"The situation in the Black Sea and Crimea is totally different from that in the Baltic region," she said.

The Kaleva newspaper wrote on Thursday that Western military experts suspected that Russia would try to occupy the Aland Islands and the Swedish-owned Gotland Island if a military conflict started in the Baltic States and the Baltic Sea. "We rely on international law, and Finland always sticks to it but we cannot rely on it 100% in crisis situations. This is how things are. We should take that into account in our military planning," Finnish Defense Minister Yussi Niinisto told Kaleva. "Nowadays, it is possible to wage a war without declaring it," the minister added.

The Aland Islands is a Baltic Sea archipelago. Its population is predominantly Finnish and Swedish. The archipelago is an autonomy, which is an integral part of Finland. It has the special status of a demilitarized neutral zone under the 1921 Geneva Convention.

Tags

Foreign policy Finland

Military operation in Ukraine

French politician labels Ukrainian actions in Donbass as genocide

Fabrice Sorlin said he had been regularly visiting Donbass for humanitarian purposes since 2017

Arms deliveries to Kiev 'for peace' reveal West’s hypocrisy — Russian governor

Vladimir Saldo said the West is directly responsible for the civilian casualties caused by these weapons

US violates its commitment to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan — Chinese embassy

According to spokesman Liu Pengyu, Washington "is deliberately pushing forward negotiations with the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan on the so-called agreement"

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy, transport infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and three armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Global population has become more violent in recent years — Kneissl

Commenting on the current protest activity in Iran, Karin Kneissl refrained from making predictions about further events

Andreeva vs. Shnaider: All-Russia semifinals at 2026 WTA Adelaide International

In the other semifinals match in Adelaide, Australia’s own Kimberly Birrel will square off versus 8th-seeded Victoria Mboko of Canada

EU to support Greenland but security issues rest with NATO — official

"We will continue our work on Arctic security with our allies and our partners, including the United States," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added

Situation around Venezuela, Iran not yet affecting oil markets — IMF

International Monetary Fund is paying close attention to what happens in global energy markets, and oil prices, Julie Kozack said

Karin Kneissl: Greenland Could Become the 51st US State

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

Proposal to duel with West response to claims of Oreshnik missile vulnerability — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin thus meant that the Oreshnik missile is a generation ahead of all existing weapons, while not being a nuclear weapon itself

Russia has no claims for Greenland — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin recalled Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s remarks during a conference in Washington on January 14

Scale of military supplies to Ukraine contradicts Western calls for peace — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova highlighted the persistent buildup of weapons and ammunition supplies, pointing to the continuous operation of the Rzeszow airport in Poland as evidence

Trump said Machado showed respect by giving him her Nobel Peace Prize

US president described Venezuelan opposition member's decision as "a wonderful gesture"

First European servicemen arrive in Greenland — newspaper

According to Bild, a Danish military transport plane landed last night at the airport in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Trump makes it clear that Zelensky undermines Ukrainian settlement — Dmitriev

The US president earlier said that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is being delayed because of Kiev's position

Taiwan to invest $250 bln into chip production, energy and AI in the US

According to terms of the agreement, Taiwan will also extend credit guarantees totaling $250 bln for projects of its companies on investments in the United States

Russian budget may fall short of $2.96 bln in additional oil and gas revenues in January

In December 2025, the Russian budget fell short of 137.6 bln rubles in additional oil and gas revenues

Machado gives Trump her Nobel Peace Prize, Trump takes it — Fox News

US President has repeatedly stated that he considers himself worthy of the medal

Threat of Butyagin's extradition to Ukraine high — Russia’s charge d'affaires

"The defense focuses precisely on this, that for Alexander, for his health, for his life, there is a real and great threat in the event of his extradition to Ukraine," Andrey Ordash said

Vance's participation in Greenland talks alarms Europe — newspaper

Politico said Copenhagen and the Greenland authorities had initially hoped for calm consultations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Russia determined to strengthen cooperation with Middle East and North Africa — Putin

Egypt plays a key role in this region, and relations with it are based on an agreement on comprehensive strategic cooperation, the Russian leader noted

Kiev suffers through third day of blackouts

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko promised that power would be returned to Kiev's residents by the evening of January 15

Ex-top Austrian diplomat reveals what BRICS needs to do to counter US policies

"BRICS has no mechanisms," Karin Kneissl noted

Sollers launches sales of Sollers SA6 bus in Russia starting from $161,800

The bus is designed for tourist, intercity, and corporate transportation

Russia develops short-term forecast model for fuel consumption

The short-term forecast volume of engine fuel consumption volumes will cater for nonlinear consumption factor, seasonality and various external factors

Murder of blogger Tatarsky, attempted murder of Prilepin ordered by same person

As a result of Permyakov's active contribution to the investigation of the case, the organizer of the crimes was identified, a criminal case was opened against him and a separate proceeding was initiated

US sends air crews to Middle East amid tensions with Iran — Fox News

The redeployment is estimated to take at least one week

Netflix extends Russian registration of three trademarks until 2036

The registration of the trademark red ‘N’ letter, initially carried out in September-October 2017, will now remain valid until November 2, 2036

Russia says Council of Europe's attempts to 'punish' it doomed to failure

"The Council of Europe unconditionally supports the criminal Kiev regime and stands in solidarity with it," Maria Zakharova added

Silence from global community may make kidnapping presidents common practice — analyst

Karin Kneissl warned that the world risks sliding back into a pre-modern era

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman appeal to Trump not to strike Iran — AFP

According to the report, the three states warned Washington of "grave blowbacks in the region" in case of escalation

Trump describes Florida Panthers goalkeeper Bobrovsky as ‘legendary'

US president said Sergey Bobrovsky "played phenomenal hockey" and shook the Russian goalie’s hand

Unacceptable to use blackmail, threats when talking to Cuba — Russian MFA

Moscow is concerned about escalating tensions around Cuba, Maria Zakharova said

UN experts call Israel's actions in Gaza after truce ‘genocide without witness’

"We have entered a new phase in which Israel and its supporters have reached the genocide without witness stage," said the document, signed by more than 20 UN experts

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 78.52 rubles for January 16

The official euro rate was lowered by 38.41 kopecks to 91.8123 rubles

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

Situation involving Maduro shows there is no democracy for US on world stage — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that this development poses a threat to all who uphold democracy as the ideal system

Putin backs Cuba's right to defend sovereignty

The Russian-Cuban alliance, in the president’s words, "has stood the test of time as it is based on the two countries’ people’s sincere mutual sympathy"

Diplomat sees US decision to quit 66 global bodes as refusal to team up to solve problems

Gennady Gatilov said that "this step can hardly be viewed as something other than a yet another proof of Washington’s purely selective approach to UN activities"

Russia may respond to Finland's withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Finland’s move to denounce the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, officially took effect on January 10

Russian envoy dismisses idea of OSCE sending mission to monitor Ukraine ceasefire

"The Russian delegation is unaware of the OSCE having such plans," Dmitry Polyansky said

International Gas Union expects gas generation doubling for datacenters

This will account for 6-8% of the forecast global electric power demand by 2040

China urges US to abandon idea of attacking Iran — deputy envoy to UN

Sun Lei emphasized the need for a team effort of all parties to maintain international peace and security

US should account for nuclear potential of entire West, not only China’s — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia respects the position of China, which does not see the need for its inclusion in the treaty

Russia to consider invitation to OSCE conference on cybersecurity — envoy

Russia advocates dialogue in any format, Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky said

FACTBOX: What is known about US Golden Dome missile defense system

US President Donald Trump stated that Greenland is of strategic importance for building the Golden Dome missile defense system

German court believes Nord Stream explosions were ordered by Ukraine — media

Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that Sergey K. should remain in custody

Putin champions international cooperation amid deteriorating global situation

"It is countries’ ability to maintain constructive relations that global stability and security depend on in today’s diverse and interconnected world," the Russian president noted

Russia considers militarization of Europe in military planning — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that, given the aggressive stance of the current Western European leadership toward Russia, Moscow "approaches such processes with the utmost seriousness"

Kiev’s terrorist methods horrify even residents of Ukraine — official

Artem Zhoga called the Ukrainian regime criminal in nature

Russia, China need to address issues related to payment difficulties for tourists

Maria Zakharova noted that Chinese tourists have no reason to be concerned about the operation of mobile communications, the availability of payment options, or the arrangement of accommodations in Russia

Russia cuts oil and gas revenues by 24% in 2025 to $108.05 bln

In 2024, the figure stood at $141.80 bln

US warns Iran of ‘grave consequences’ for executing protesters — White House

The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation and all options remain on the table for the president

EU preparing for possible direct confrontation with Trump — newspaper

European governments now understand the seriousness of Trump's threats and are "desperately looking for a plan to stop him"

Israeli PM asks Trump to postpone attack on Iran — newspaper

According to The New York Times, Netanyahu spoke to the US leader on January 14

US backs down on plans to attack Iran — TV

Washington also took into account the changing security situation in Iran and the government’s gradual progress towards retaking control of the country

Swedish defense minister refutes Trump’s statements about Russian threat to Greenland

Pal Johnson called the statement that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels an exaggeration

Russian auto market descends to fifth position in Europe in 2025

The Russian auto market held the fourth place in Europe in 2024

Britain weighs response to expulsion of embassy official from Russia — Foreign Office

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow was expelling a British embassy diplomat over his involvement with UK intelligence services and that he must leave the country within two weeks

Potential conflict in Iran to damage China's oil imports — expert

The Middle East is China's primary energy supplier

Venezuela to gain access to $4.9 bln in IMF assets after restoration of contacts — fund

As Julie Kozack added, on the issue of recognizing the legitimacy of Venezuela’s government, the fund will be guided by the view of the international community, as reflected by the majority of votes at the IMF

Russia urges UN secretariat to abandon double standards and bias — Permanent Mission

Dmitry Chumakov, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations noted "a rapid loss of impartiality in the work of the United Nations" and called for combating the arbitrariness of large donors imposing mandates that do not enjoy consensus

Russia’s 5th-generation fighter jet gets advanced stealth coating

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air targets at long and short ranges and hit enemy ground and naval targets, overcoming its air defense capabilities

Russia’s UN envoy urges West to focus on guarantees of non-confrontation around Iran

Vasily Nebenzya added that Russia was "ready to provide all possible support" to such an effort

US court ruling against Maduro to be illegitimate — Russian MFA

According to universally recognized norms of international law, Nicolas Maduro, as head of state, enjoys absolute immunity from the jurisdiction of the United States and any other state, aside from Venezuela, Maria Zakharova said

OSCE can start monitoring ceasefire in Ukraine right after its start — chairman-in-office

According to Ignazio Cassis, the OSCE’s participation in efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Ukraine would be legitimate in Moscow’s eyes

Getting guilty verdict in Maduro case not to be easy for US Attorney's office — newspaper

According to the newspaper, it will take years before a jury begins to consider the Venezuelan leader's involvement in the crimes imputed to him

Denmark may consider leaving NATO due to Greenland situation — Kneissl

Karin Kneissl noted that it is not yet possible to say exactly what form the confrontation between the USA and Denmark will take, but "in a certain sense, the situation is archaic"

West, US not shy about using all means to change regime in Iran — Russian Foreign Ministry

Regime change as a phenomenon is unacceptable in the modern world, especially if countries talk about respecting the UN Charter and are members of the UN, Maria Zakharova stressed

Kiev regime ready to surrender Artyomovsk — Akhmat unit commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, right now, the hottest spot on this front is Bakhmut where Russian units are doing very well

EU pays minimum amount for Russian gas in five years in November 2025

In the reported period, the EU imported Russian gas for a total of 752.5 mln euros

IN BRIEF: Russian forces expand buffer zones, disrupting enemy plans, senior general says

Russian forces liberated around eight localities and took more than 300 square km of land under control in the first two weeks of January

Dmitriev calls Canada 52nd state of US

The Russian special presidential envoy noted that Greenland would be the 51st state

Houthis monitor Israel’s activities in Somaliland, ready to attack its sites — leader

The rebels are convinced that Israel has been trying to gain a foothold in Somaliland to control the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Chinese diplomat names Middle East as most unstable region in global security framework

China shares the serious concerns, which many countries in the region have about the possibility of a military confrontation, said Sun Lei

Finance Ministry to sell foreign currency, gold worth $2.45 bln on January 16-February 5

The daily volume of foreign currency and gold sales will amount to the equivalent of $163.1 mln

US will not be able to repeat Venezuelan scenario in Iran — Chinese expert

Jin Liangxiang noted that Iran’s retaliatory actions during last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel have made Washington and Tel Aviv more cautious about Iran’s missile capabilities

Russia to view London’s moves to intercept ships as violation of maritime law — MFA

Maria Zakharova also reiterated that the claim by British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey that the Marinera was sailing under a foreign flag is unfounded

Riyadh assures Iran it will not permit its territory to be used for strikes — media

Reuters previously reported, citing European officials, that a US military operation against Iran appears likely and could begin within the next 24 hours

Hungary expects MOL will buy stake in NIS soon — Szijjarto

As soon as the agreement is reached, the parties will notify the US OFAC for an authorization to make the deal, the Hungarian foreign minister said

EU shows total unwillingness to pursue Ukraine agreement — MFA

Maria Zakharova's comments followed remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said Russia must "show interest" in ending the war in Ukraine

Veronica vessel became sixth tanker captured by US

According to Marinetraffic data, the vessel was under the flag of Guyana

Russia maintains its stance of building equal relations with all countries — Putin

Russia always stands ready to build mutually beneficial relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being and development, the Russian leader added

Degradation of international situation, security architecture: Putin's statements

The Russian president pointed out that Russia was "sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world"

Trump pledges support to Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza

US president confirmed that phase two of the Gaza peace plan has begun

US to temporarily store Venezuelan oil in Curacao — TV

Two of the world’s largest commodity traders, Trafigura and Vitol, are involved in moving Venezuelan oil to Caribbean countries for further resale

German defense minister thinks US unlikely to seize Greenland

In Boris Pistorius's words, a US military attack on a NATO territory would be "an unprecedented step that would undoubtedly have consequences for the alliance"

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Moscow seeks durable peace in Ukraine, one that ensures everyone's security — Putin

"Not everyone is ready for that, especially in Kiev and the capitals that support it," the Russian leader said

WhatsApp to be completely blocked in Russia this year — lawmaker

Andrey Svintsov said this is because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as the extremist company in Russia

Attempt to 'kidnap' Putin fraught with disastrous outcome for initiator — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova referred to a comment by Defense Secretary John Healy during his January 9 visit to Kiev, where he said that he would like to kidnap Putin to "bring the Russian president to justice"

Russia stands ready to restore relations with all European countries — Putin

Russia has always been committed to such diplomatic approaches, the Russian leader said

Two wounded in drone attack on Central Russia’s Ryazan region

Governor Pavel Malkov said that 22 unmanned aerial vehicles were taken over the region’s territory

US keeps all options on table regarding Iran — envoy to UN

Mike Waltz also said that "Iran says it is ready for dialogue, but its actions say otherwise"

Yemeni government resigns, Zindani appointed new premier

The previous cabinet will continue to perform its duties until a new one is formed

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Europe needs to acquire weapons similar to Russian 'Oreshnik' — French president

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that France is within the range of the 'Oreshnik'

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country

West wrong in its evaluation of Iran's resilience, German expert says

Constantin von Hoffmeister stressed that "a system that survives war with Iraq, decades of sanctions, assassinations of its scientists, cyberattacks, and constant pressure is not fragile"