Finland

The Rasmus won UMK 2022 and with that the honor of representing Finland at Eurovision 2022 with the song "Jezebel"

The song is also a bit tongue-in-cheek, which is pretty unusual for The Rasmus, says Ylönen. – Jezebel was a biblical troublemaker, who did things her own way and really shook things up. The Rasmus has released several albums, won numerous music industry awards, and played gigs all over the world. Together for nearly 30 years now, The Rasmus is one of Finland’s most internationally successful groups. So wrote The Rasmus frontman Lauri Ylönen in a message to world renowned producer-musician Desmond Child. Child has worked with, among others, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and Kiss. He also produced The Rasmus’ 2008 Black Roses album. The Finnish broadcaster YLE quickly announced they'd withdraw from Eurovision 2022 if the scenario wasn't changed.

Russia has issued a chilling warning to its close neighbours Sweden and Finland (pictured), saying both nations will face 'military consequences' if they ...

The Pentagon said Thursday that it is sending 7,000 troops to Europe in addition to 5,000 recently deployed personnel. Lithuania declared a state of emergency Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine. Lithuania borders Russia´s Kaliningrad region to the southwest. It´s the first time the force has been used to defend NATO allies. 'Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? 'Finland's accession to NATO would have serious military and political repercussions.' 'Who is ready to fight alongside us?

Until now, joining Nato has been seen as beyond the pale for the traditionally-neutral Sweden and Finland, but some feel Russia's actions could change that.

Sweden has held neutrality for 200 years and as it relies on trade with both the United States and Russia it has sought to stay that way. Perhaps because it shares a 1,340km border with Russia, ensuring it can protect itself has since been a high priority for Finland and with it the belief that it does not need Nato to remain secure. Finland is part of Nato’s Partnership for Peace programme, however, that allows flexible cooperation between the two parties and is generally seen as a trust-building outfit that may eventually lead to a full Nato membership.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine extends Moscow's military power to the borders of several NATO members, NATO partners Finland and Sweden can be part of an ...

The spokeswoman has recently been added to the EU’s sanctions list over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They have responded by tightening bilateral military cooperation and fostering more ties with NATO. As such, they have options when it comes to cooperation. Earlier on Friday (26 February), as NATO leaders were meeting in Brussels, Russia accused NATO and the US of trying to lure Finland and Sweden into the alliance. Finland and Sweden’s policies of military non-alignment have persisted to the present, although renewed threats of Russian aggression are prompting conversations of potential NATO membership. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine extends Moscow’s military power to the borders of several NATO members, NATO partners Finland and Sweden can be part of an intensified exchange of information and NATO’s strategic communication.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman says there will be 'detrimental consequences' for the countries if they joined military alliance.

“Today’s Russian attacks on a kindergarten and an orphanage are war crimes and violations of the Rome Statute,” Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, referring to the agreement that established the International Criminal Court. Alternatively, you can visit our newsletter sign up-centre. He promised Ukraine would send evidence of the attacks to The Hague. They have already captured the city of Melitopol in the southeastern Zaporizhzhya region, a combination of trained troops and civilians baring arms have managed to stave off attacks in most other areas. During a news briefing, Zakharova said: “Finland and Sweden should not base their security on damaging the security of other countries and their accession to NATO can have detrimental consequences and face some military and political consequences.” “We regard the Finnish government’s commitment to a military non-alignment policy as an important factor in ensuring security and stability in northern Europe,” the department wrote on twitter.

Hyvää iltaa Eurooppa, we're bringing you more news from the North, with Finland picking their entrant for tonight. As the title implies rock legends The Rasmus ...

What do #YOU think about “Jezebel”? Do #YOU think Finland made the right choice? Finland will compete in the First Half of the Second Semifinal on 12 May 2022. They won with 310 points over the kid with their pumped-up Cyan Kicks and JezeBESS‘s Ram Pam Pam.