May 2025

Russian Grip on Finnish Logistics: Sanctioned Interests Still Embedded in Ports and Trucking

News

Finland’s logistics sector is facing uncomfortable questions after fresh revelations exposed deep-rooted Russian involvement in both road freight and maritime operations. While Russian-linked trucking firms like PLC Transit Service and Moroz are now under police scrutiny, a major Russian port operator remains firmly embedded in Finland’s critical infrastructure. Despite EU sanctions, Global Ports—part-owned by Rosatom—still

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Efficiency in Defence Operations: Connecting Strategic, Operational and Tactical Data

Business, Technology

Defence systems often suffer from a glaring disconnect between mission and logistics. ILIAS Solutions – a leading digital defence platform now under Patria’s wing – is set to close that gap. The acquisition marks Patria’s serious move into digital services. Integrating ILIAS Solutions’ advanced expertise and software with Patria’s defence expertise will provide comprehensive solutions

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Estonian-Swedish film 1944 (2015)

Frontline Flicks: 1944 (2015)

Film Review

Elmo Nüganen’s 1944 is a brutal, beautifully shot, and emotionally complex portrayal of Estonia’s darkest hour—when its sons were conscripted to fight on both sides of a war that wasn’t theirs. Set during the summer and autumn of 1944, the film follows two Estonian soldiers: Karl Tammik, fighting in the Waffen-SS under German command, and

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Transforming Into a Global Defence Powerhouse: Rheinmetall (Germany) – 2024 Performance Review and Growth Outlook

Analysis, Business

Rheinmetall AG delivered record financial results in 2024, driven by surging demand amid Europe’s “Zeitenwende”, historic shift in security policy. Group sales jumped 36 percent to €9.75 billion, from €7.18 billion in 2023, reaching the company’s target of ~€10 billion. Operating profit soared 61 percent to €1.478 billion, raising the operating margin to 15.2 percent, up from 12.8

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Railway bridge between Finland and Sweden across the Torne river, photographed on the Swedish side in the city of Haparanda, Sweden. (Image: Shutterstock, by Tommy Alven)

Ripping Up the Rails of Empire: Baltic and Finnish Railways Turn Westward

Analysis, Politics, Strategy

The Baltic states and Finland are racing to redraw their rail networks on European terms. Soviet-gauge tracks – once binding these countries to Moscow – are being supplanted by European standard-gauge lines in a strategic shift with echoes of the Cold War. This grand infrastructure push is driven by hard security logic: NATO troop movement,

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Ghost Fleet (2015)

Bunker Books: Ghost Fleet – A Novel of the Next World War (2015)

Book Review

Ghost Fleet by P.W. Singer and August Cole is a speculative military thriller that envisions a near-future conflict where a technologically advanced China, allied with Russia, launches a surprise attack on the United States, leading to the occupation of Hawaii and a global war spanning land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Authors Singer and Cole,

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Wihuri15 – Reservists in Training.

Facing Russian Threat, Finland Plans to Keep Reservists Until 65

Numbers

The Finnish government has announced a draft proposal to increase the maximum age for military reservists from 60 to 65 years. This initiative aims to expand Finland’s wartime reserve forces by approximately 125,000 personnel, potentially bringing the total number of reservists to one million by 2031. Currently, Finnish men are subject to compulsory military service,

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Chancellor Merz Signals Shift on Taurus Missile Deliveries to Ukraine

Politics

With the election of Friedrich Merz as Germany’s new Chancellor, the longstanding debate over supplying Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles to Ukraine has gained renewed momentum. In his inaugural speech, Merz, known for his assertive stance on defence, pledged to bolster Germany’s military capabilities and deepen support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

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Trump’s Saudi Visit: $142 Billion Arms Bonanza and a Nuclear Gambit

Business, Diplomacy

Modernising its military and flexing its muscle in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has signed $142 billion worth of arms deals with the U.S. It’s also pledged to pour $600 billion into American investments over the next four years. The deals may open the door for defence firms from elsewhere — including Nordic companies —

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