Ideas The threat next door: How NATO’s newest members are preparing to defend against Russia (via The House)
Sep 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alina Valtanen, Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizes the need for Finland and Canada to strengthen defense ties against potential Russian aggression. Yuka Voroslami, a Lieutenant Colonel and chief of staff of the Kainu Brigade, shares insights on NATO's military exercises as a deterrent. The conversation highlights Finland's extensive bomb shelter network and community-focused security strategies. Both guests advocate for citizen participation in national defense, underscoring the importance of preparedness in today's geopolitical landscape.
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Artillery Training In Finnish Lapland
- Conscripts in Finnish Lapland train on 122mm howitzers in harsh conditions as part of Northern Strike exercises.
- Sergeant Samu describes roles, procedures, and the visceral reality of artillery drills behind protective gear.
Historical Memory Drives Preparedness
- Finland's memory of the 1939 Winter War drives a deep, intergenerational culture of preparedness.
- Politicians and citizens translate historical trauma into modern defence policies and societal readiness.
Hybrid Threats Beyond Conventional War
- Finland faces hybrid threats from Russia including sabotaged undersea cables and instrumented migration.
- The country responds with border fencing, technology and legal measures to deter non-military coercion.