CLOAK AND CABINET

This week, we will examine why Ukraine should be permitted to strike targets within Russia. Western partners must grant Ukraine full discretion in using weapons to defend against the illegal Russian invasion. In this blog post, we will evaluate the current state of the war, the advantages Ukraine could gain by striking targets beyond its borders and deep within Russia, and their capabilities. We will also touch on the morality of war and each country's right to self-defense. HOW IS THE WAR GOING? The war has been at a stalemate for a long time. However, in recent months, Russia has been making slow but steady gains toward Kharkiv. Russia has opened a second front in the area and is aggressively pushing towards Ukraine's second-largest city. This offensive began on May 9th. This means that Russia is pushing Ukraine's defenses to the brink. In Kharkiv, daily bombings target civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. On the front lines, Ukrainian troops are exh...

I recently started read "Putin's World War: Russia's Covert Operations to Destroy the West"  by Finnish journalist Jessikka Aro. The book provides an in-depth investigative approach of the 2010 Polish  presidential plane crash in Smolensk . This book reminded me of another intriguing air disaster connected to the Russians: the shootdown of the Kaleva passenger and freight plane en route from Tallinn to Helsinki. This tragic incident occurred amidst rising tensions between Finland, Estonia, and the Soviet Union.  In this blog post, we will examine the downing of the Kaleva plane, the surrounding incidents, and the aftermath of this tragic event. The Aero O/Y Airplane was a Junkers Ju-52 plane  BACKGROUND INTO THE EVENTS   The late 1930s and early 1940s were marked by significant political unrest in Europe. With the Soviet Union expanding its influence in the Baltic region, both Finland and Estonia found themselves under increasing pressure. The Kaleva plane, oper...

This week, prepare to delve into the captivating life of Ülo Sooster, a trailblazing Estonian modern artist. Born with a rebellious spirit, he found himself shackled by the oppressive grip of the Soviet Union. Yet, his passion for art coursed through his veins, driving his very existence. Tragically, his artistic expression collided with the iron fist of authority, leading to his arrest and a harrowing journey to a Stalinist gulag. But what became of Ülo amidst the unforgiving confines of the gulag? Did the relentless toil of forced labor crush his spirit, or did it ignite a fire within him, fueling his creative vision? Let's unravel the enigmatic tale of survival, resilience, and the profound influence of adversity on Ülo's artistry.  Ülo Sooster (Photo Collection of the Art Museum of Estonia) EARLY LIFE Ülo Sooster was born on 17 October 1924 on the small island of Hiiumaa, Estonia. The family owned a large farm, known as the Pendi Farm, and were quite wealthy by the standard...

Stand at the edge of Suursaari, a pivotal point in the Baltic Sea, where the echoes of centuries-long conflicts reverberate through its soil. Situated just 40 kilometers from Kotka, 110 kilometers from Helsinki, and 140 kilometers from Tallinn, this island, also known as Gogland, currently lies under Russian control. In this blog post, we delve into the turbulent history of Suursaari, a coveted jewel in the Baltic. We unravel the reasons behind its enduring allure and examine its geostrategic significance, pondering the potential future roles of this island amidst the vast expanse of what is now a NATO-dominated region. Suursaari is filled with high ridges and lakes, picture credit: SA Kuva  EARLY HISTORY   Suursaari, nestled in the Baltic Sea, boasts a history that stretches back to antiquity, bearing witness to the footsteps of ancient settlers as far back as the Stone Age. The island's strategic position made it an attractive prospect for early inhabitants seeking both natu...

During the Continuation War, Finland experienced harrowing war crimes at the hands of the Soviet Union's army. Among these tragic events were the relentless attacks carried out by Soviet partisans within Finland between 1941 and 1944. These ruthless assaults targeted vulnerable locations such as remote border villages and ambushed vehicles, sparing neither civilians nor military personnel. As an irregular military force, the partisans conducted long-range penetration raids and reconnaissance missions deep inside Finnish territory. The toll of their violence was staggering, with approximately 170 Finnish civilians killed and 50 wounded in these raids. In this blog post, we delve into the details of these events and share the stories of survivors who witnessed the devastation wrought by the Soviet partisans. RUSSIAN PARTISAN RAIDS AND ACTIVITIES Soviet partisan operations played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union's strategy during Finland's Continuation War. Operating predomi...

Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, was a man of immense integrity, dedication, and vision. His tragic death in 1961, while on a peace mission to the Congo, remains one of the most mysterious events in modern diplomatic history. More than six decades later, the circumstances surrounding his plane crash continue to be shrouded in controversy, spawning numerous theories and investigations. Let's delve into the life, work, and enduring legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld, and explore the persistent questions that surround his untimely demise. Dag Hammarskjöld EARLY LIFE Born on July 29, 1905, in Jönköping, Sweden, Dag Hammarskjöld was destined for a life of service. His father, Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, was Prime Minister of Sweden, and his mother, Agnes Almquist, came from a very established family as well. His mother was deeply religious. Raised in an environment that valued public service and intellectual pursuits, Dag inherited a deep sense of duty and a commi...

In the frigid winter of 1984, Finland's serene northern landscape was jolted by an unexpected intrusion—a Soviet surface-to-air missile careening off course and crashing near Lake Inari. This surreal event not only shattered the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness but also reignited fears of Cold War tensions escalating beyond control.  Let's delve into the harrowing events of that December day and the lasting impact they left on Finland and its relations with its unpredictable eastern neighbor. February 2, 1985 when the missile was brought to the surface.  A SOVIET INTRUDER IN LAPLAND   In the midst of global nuclear tensions and political brinkmanship, the Soviet Union regularly conducted military tests to assert its dominance. However, on December 28, 1984, a routine test launch from the Barents Sea took a disastrous turn. The Soviet surface-to-air missile, suspected to be either an SS-N-3 or SS-N-12 but unconfirmed by the Soviets, veered wildly off its intended path...