Finland has joined the Leaders' joint statement on the US-Iran peace deal presidentti.fi/en/joint-stat…

When Notre-Dame burned in 2019, the world stopped. Today, Russia damages Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a monastery nearly 1,000 years old and older than Notre-Dame itself. A thousand years of history deserves the same attention, the same sympathy, and the same protection.

Culture is the principal enemy of an assimilationist empire. Unlike maritime empires, which colonized geographically distant peoples and therefore emphasized forms of irreducible distance and difference in their imperial practices, Russia is a continental and assimilationist empire that colonizes those who are geographically close. Its logic is not to proclaim an insurmountable difference between colonizer and colonized (“You will never be like me”), but rather an insurmountable unity between them (“You will never be different from me”). That is why assimilation — not only physical destruction — is a central instrument of empire. Assimilation through the destruction of language and culture, demographic engineering, and deportation. Occupation is the empire’s most effective tool because Russian imperialism uses occupation not primarily as an instrument of control — to surveil and punish others in their difference — but as an instrument for erasing difference itself: to re-programme people, compel them to renounce who they are, and erase their distinctiveness. This is why the destruction of Ukrainian culture is one of the central mechanisms of Russia’s assimilationist empire and a key element of genocide — as Raphael Lemkin argued decades ago. But the attacks on cultural sites that we are witnessing today, I would argue, increasingly reveal the empire’s disorientation and powerlessness in the face of Ukrainian culture. Russia is coming to understand that its ability to destroy it is steadily diminishing. Ukrainian identity and Ukrainian culture are no longer within its grasp.

Puolustusvoimien entinen tiedustelupäällikkö ehdottaa venäjän kielen koulutusohjelmaa varusmiehille - Ruotuväki ruotuvaki.fi/-/entinen-tiedu… Kiitos @Ohra_aho . suosittelen samaa muiden kielten osalta korkeakouluopiskelijoille, koska olemme #kielitaito n kanssa liemessä,pahasti.

Kenya believes the answer to global uncertainty is not fragmentation, but cooperation; not blocs, but bridges; not exclusion, but partnership. Africa is not a spectator to these changes. Africa is helping to shape them. The future will not be written for Africa; it will be written with Africa.

Very encouraging to see the rhino return to areas were they were wiped out a few decades ago. Great that @euinzim is involved! I was extremely privileged to witness the reintroduction of the black rhino to Gonarezhup NP a couple of years back @Zimparks

Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. How great thou art.

The Matusadona #RhinoReturn was powered by an incredible team. From @zimparks leaders to community chiefs and dedicated park teams, it's a story of human commitment. Swipe to meet some of those involved. Read more here: bit.ly/4v287ON #FullCircle

Today, the European Union took a major step forward. All Member States agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process. It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions. This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable. Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent. In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest. Enlargement remains one of the EU’s greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future.

Thank you to the guests and everyone who followed this year's Kultaranta Talks. Finland, Europe, and the world are still not ready. Foreign policy is in constant flux. That is why we need discussions like these and moments to pause and reflect. They help us see the bigger picture beyond the noise. Thank you.

We opened the Kultaranta Talks with President @WilliamSRuto of Kenya. The partnership between Europe and Africa in international diplomacy and the economy benefits both sides. Thank you for an insightful discussion.

President Ruto’s first day of the State Visit to Finland has already delivered strategic agreements on education, digital innovation, climate action, healthcare, trade, & investment. In recognition of his leadership, he was also awarded the Helsinki City Medal. Key outcomes: Education – Equipping more young Kenyans with skills for the modern workforce through enhanced collaboration in technical & vocational training, teacher development, competency-based learning, & educational innovation. Digitisation & Innovation – Creating new opportunities for youth & entrepreneurs by expanding cooperation in digital public services, emerging technologies, secure connectivity, & innovation ecosystems. Healthcare – Improving access to quality healthcare through increased collaboration in universal health coverage, maternal & child health, mental health, medical research, & local pharmaceutical & vaccine manufacturing. Trade & Investment – Creating jobs & unlocking new economic opportunities by strengthening commercial ties, expanding business partnerships, & attracting investment. Climate Action & Green Growth – Building resilience to climate change & supporting sustainable development through stronger partnerships in the circular economy, bio-economy, environmental sustainability, & resource efficiency.

Strengthening international partnerships and building consensus on global challenges remain central to Kenya’s foreign policy agenda. Held bilateral talks with H.E. @elinavaltonen, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, where we exchanged views on geopolitical developments, peace and security, and opportunities to deepen cooperation between our two countries. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to expanding trade and investment, strengthening bilateral relations and advancing partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for our people. As Finland pursues its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, we also discussed the importance of reforming the Security Council and strengthening multilateral institutions to make them more inclusive, representative and responsive to contemporary global realities. We further welcomed the agreements concluded during this State Visit and committed to working together to ensure their effective implementation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Kenya-Finland partnership. @ForeignOfficeKE

so @YouTube has started to block videos that advertise to join the killing machine of the russian shahed factory Alabuga. but videos like this with 13M subscribers / 6M views are still up, and this 🤡 is still getting paid with blood money youtube.com/watch?v=DLhmYqxK… go report 🥷

x.com/AfricaViewFacts/status… A daring step and an original one.

Forming New Strategic Partnerships. President Ruto’s State Visit to Finland & official visits to Norway & Belgium strengthened cooperation in trade, education, technology, renewable energy, climate action. Unlocking investment, creating jobs & expanding opportunities for Kenyans.

In an era defined by geopolitical shifts, technological disruption and growing global uncertainty, meaningful dialogue is essential to shaping a more stable and prosperous future. I joined H.E. President @WilliamsRuto and H.E. @alexstubb, President of the Republic of Finland, at the Kultaranta Talks, where global leaders, policymakers and experts exchanged perspectives on the changing international landscape and its implications for peace, security and development. I reaffirmed Kenya’s belief in the power of multilateralism, constructive engagement and international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing our interconnected world. I also emphasized the need for global institutions and financial systems to evolve in ways that are more inclusive, responsive and reflective of present-day realities. Africa is not merely adapting to global change; it is helping shape it. The continent’s leadership, innovation and aspirations remain critical to building a more balanced, resilient and prosperous international order.

There are surprisingly a fair number of Finns in Kenya.. Finland is a seriously serious country. 🇫🇮🤝🇰🇪

A pleasure to meet again with my Kenyan colleague @MusaliaMudavadi. We share a commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation. Finland and Kenya are partners in promoting peace and security. Strengthening trade and business ties remains high on our common agenda.