Finland raises age limit for reservists: alarming plans!

Finland raises age limit for reservists: alarming plans!

On May 14, 2025, Finland reported a significant change in its military policy. The plan is to raise the age limit for reservists from 60 to 65 years in order to increase the number of troops by 125,000 soldiers. This project is part of a broader goal to increase the number of reservists to one million by 2031. Currently, all male Finns up to the age of 60 are subject to military service, while women can serve voluntarily. Compulsory service varies between 165, 255 or 347 days, depending on rank and training.

These measures are assessed as a response to the changing security situation in Europe, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago, which prompted Finland to join NATO. About 5.6 million people currently live in Finland.

Calls for a ceasefire

Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for an “unconditional” ceasefire in Ukraine. This should serve as a basis for peace talks. Merz made the comments after a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. In this context, the EU Commission was asked to develop new proposals for sanctions against Russia, focusing on the energy and financial sectors.

Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Putin to speak to Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday. Wadephul emphasized that the initiative now lies with Putin. However, there are uncertainties surrounding the meeting: according to media reports, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will not attend, while Kremlin spokesman Peskov announced that a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul.

Ceasefire ultimatum and sanctions

An ultimatum to Russia for a ceasefire has already passed. Ukraine and European allies such as Germany, France, Great Britain and Poland had called for a 30-day, complete and unconditional ceasefire. But Russia rejected the ultimatum and continued its attacks. Merz announced new sanctions in an interview if no progress is made.

The EU has adopted 16 sanctions packages against Russia since the start of the war, and the 17th package is already being prepared. Planned measures include measures against the Russian shadow fleet and companies that evade sanctions. It remains unclear to what extent Hungary will agree to the new proposals.

Planned negotiations and dialogue

Russia has agreed to direct talks with President Putin in Istanbul, which will begin without preconditions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet Putin personally and, according to US President Donald Trump, is expected to agree to the proposal. However, Russia's participation in the talks is still uncertain, leading to speculation that Putin may be unwilling to meet Zelensky.

Zelensky has made it clear that he only wants to speak to Putin directly, but concerns have been circulating in the media that talks could potentially take place at the level of special envoys. However, despite Putin's declaration that there should be no preconditions, there are fundamental demands from Russia.

The situation remains tense, especially after Ukrainian drones injured at least 16 people in Russia's Belgorod region, while eight injured people required hospital treatment. Meanwhile, Ukraine has taken steps to finalize a minerals deal with the US, including setting up an investment fund.