JEF Archives - Nordic Defence Review

Carl Bildt in Tallinn, at the Swedish Embassy, on June 2nd, 2026. (Image: NDR)

Bildt: Putin Is Repeating His Ukraine Playbook Against Armenia

Former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt has warned that Russia is using against Armenia “exactly the same” pressure tactics it employed against Ukraine before the 2014 conflict, as Moscow seeks to prevent another former Soviet republic from moving closer to the European Union. TALLINN — Russian President Vladimir Putin is repeating against Armenia the threats

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Britain’s Defence at a Crossroads: Strategic Choices and Fiscal Challenges

Strategy

The UK faces critical decisions on its defence strategy as it conducts its third Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in four years, due in 2025. The review must address modern threats, particularly from Russia and China, against a backdrop of fiscal constraints and shifting global dynamics. Twenty years ago, Britain allocated 4 percent of its GDP

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UK Houses of Parliament. Image: jumpStory

British Red Dawn: The New Labour Government Will Boost Defence Spending

Politics

While Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives promised in their election campaign to bolster national defense and bring back national conscription, Labour pledged to pump more money into defence, also. Labour has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense industry. In France, the parliamentary elections may bring big changes in the country’s security and defence policies.

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Santa’s Army Gets Hairy: Finland Is Welcoming Bearded Soldiers

News

For over a century, Western military forces have largely enforced strict grooming standards, particularly regarding beards. During the World War 1, chlorine and mustard gas attacks necessitated a clean-shaven face for effective gas mask seals. Now, both the British and Finnish army are revising their approach, adopting more flexible policies on facial hair for soldiers.

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