Free Republic

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the Finnish capital for a surprise visit, and talks with Nordic prime ministers. The visit is hosted by Finland's President Sauli Niinistö, who takes the lead on foreign policy issues, and talks will include "Ukraine's defence struggle," as well as Finnish support for Ukraine and bilateral relations, according to a statement from the president's office. Zelenskyy will attend a working lunch with outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, and he'll also meet the incoming prime minister, Petteri Orpo who is currently holding talks on forming a new government after April's...

Several Russian cities have announced they will scale back this year's Victory Day celebrations. Russian authorities have cited security reasons and attacks from pro-Ukrainian forces for the changes. Explosions and fires have occurred in Russia in recent weeks. But some have argued that the reduced events show the Kremlin is nervous about celebrations turning into shows of dissent against its invasion of Ukraine. Great pomp and shows of military might are the usual hallmarks of Victory Day, which marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany on 9 May 1945. One of the day's most recognisable events is the Immortal...

Explosions hit Russian targets in and near occupied Crimea overnight into Wednesday, as Ukraine appeared to be intensifying attacks on Russian military strongholds ahead of an expected counteroffensive. In Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Russia illegally annexed in 2014, drones struck a border guard post in Simferopol on Tuesday night, according to photos and video shared on social media and geolocated by Radio Liberty, a U.S. government-funded broadcaster. Ukraine did not directly claim responsibility for the incident, but Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesman, Andriy Chernyak, said in a statement on Wednesday morning: “Of course, the enemy must be cut off from...