Week of October 19

2026-W43: Oct 19 – October 25, 2026
FINAL: Last update October 22, 2026
COUNTRIES IN THE NEWS: United States
Ukraine
Russia
Norway
Sweden
NEWS LANGUAGE: English
Suomi (original)

Ukrainian drones strike St Petersburg, Russian expert hints at action in Finnish airspace

First published Mon, Oct 19

Ukraine carried out a large drone strike on Russia, setting fires and causing power cuts in St Petersburg. The attack drew a Kremlin response that one account described as a sign that real damage is now being done.1 2

A Russian expert floated possible action in Finnish airspace in connection with the strike on St Petersburg, a prospect raised in Finnish reporting on the attack. The same coverage described Russia as having a new dangerous tactic in the war.3 4

Ordinary Russians in St Petersburg noticed the strike's harsh consequences immediately, according to reporting on the attack's effect on the city's residents.5

The drone strike and the Kremlin's reaction were covered across Finnish outlets, with the St Petersburg fires and electricity outages as the shared factual core of the accounts.1 5 4 3 2

Finns Party unveils 9 billion euro savings list and proposes scrapping environment ministry

First published Thu, Oct 22

BACKGROUND

In late September 2026 the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) presented a savings list totalling nine billion euros, aimed at public finances and social and health care services, with no tax increases. The package drew immediate criticism, with opponents calling it "carnivalization" and "completely unnecessary."

In early October the party added a goal of two billion euros in pension cuts, a move Helsingin Sanomat's centre-right outlet reported would almost inevitably hit current pensioners. The Swedish People's Party (RKP) leader Anders Adlercreutz rejected the pension proposal as unrealistic and asked what the party was really after, and SDP leaders also condemned the pension talk.

EARLIER ON KÜRESEL

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

The Finns Party presented a savings list of 9 billion euros in adjustments, and the package would abolish the Ministry of the Environment. Party leader Riikka Purra said the party might also put Sitra and the Finnish National Agency for Education into history. The proposal lands in a public-finances debate where the National Coalition Party has already put forward its own nine-billion-euro list, which contains no tax increases and targets social and health care spending.1 2 3

Purra forecast job losses for many and described the package as the tightest in the country, a direct challenge to the National Coalition Party. "I claim that this is the tightest in this country," she said, according to Iltalehti's commentary. The party also proposes freezing pensions above 2,000 euros a month, Uusi Suomi reported, a demand that drew an spreading outcry described as "cold treatment."4 2 5

Ilta-Sanomat reported that the Finns Party's proposal on social security could put as much as a fifth of purchasing power at risk. The savings list targets cuts in public finances and social and health care, the same areas covered by the National Coalition Party's package. RKP leader Anders Adlercreutz rejected the pension proposal as unrealistic and asked what the party is really after.3 2

Attributed claim: The pension element drew the sharpest reaction. Uusi Suomi reported the demand to freeze pensions above 2,000 euros and the spreading outrage that followed, while Iltalehti framed Purra's list as a hard challenge to the National Coalition Party. The two accounts agree on the 9 billion euro figure and the plan to close the Ministry of the Environment; they differ in emphasis, with Uusi Suomi leading on the pension freeze and its backlash and Iltalehti on the challenge to the coalition partner.5 4

Finland proposes diesel tax rebate for heavy transport as Suomen Yrittäjät rejects the level

First published Thu, Oct 22

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Finland's government has sent parliament a proposal for a tax rebate on professional diesel used by heavy transport, with the reform now proceeding to the legislature. The Ministry of Finance and the government presented the measure on Thursday, and it would apply only to certain vehicles.1 2 3

The rebate is described as substantial for diesel, and the reform advances to the Eduskunta for consideration. The proposal covers professional diesel in heavy road transport rather than general diesel use.3 2 1

Attributed claim: Suomen Yrittäjät rejected the proposed level of the rebate immediately after the government's proposal was published. Yle reported the employers' organisation's rejection alongside the government's submission of the bill.4 5

Finnish outlets warn of an "extremely difficult" winter as electricity prices jump on Tuesday

First published Tue, Oct 20

Finnish outlets carried a warning that the coming winter will be "extremely difficult" on energy prices, with the same quote running across Ilta-Sanomat, Iltalehti, Uusi Suomi and cedarnews.net. The warning concerns electricity prices specifically, and Kauppalehti reported that the price of electricity jumps sharply on Tuesday.1 2 3 4 5

Tekniikka&Talous reported that the electricity price forecast for Finland for next winter has been rewritten, and set out what the situation looks like now. The revised forecast followed the price warning and the sharp rise in prices on Tuesday.6 1

Finland's unemployment turns upward again as economists say growth and joblessness now rise together

First published Tue, Oct 20

Unemployment in Finland has started rising again, a reversal that economists describe as growth and joblessness climbing side by side. Economists interviewed on the subject explain why the two are now moving together rather than in opposite directions.1 2

Employment Minister Marttinen said he was disappointed by the turn in the labour market. The minister's reaction was reported as the unemployment figures worsened.3

The shift was described as a turn for the worse, with the message that patience is now required. A separate account stated plainly what many fear about jobs: the traditional labour market is gone.4 5

Also this week

Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.

A large number of online services were down as disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in PHPThu, Oct 22A large number of online services were down as disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in PHP, the programming language used by most websites, continued. Finland's Cyber Security Centre recommended reacting immediately, and tivi.fi listed which online services were not working.

A large number of online services were down as disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in PHP

First published Thu, Oct 22

A large number of online services were down as disruptions caused by vulnerabilities in PHP, the programming language used by most websites, continued. Finland's Cyber Security Centre recommended reacting immediately, and tivi.fi listed which online services were not working.1 2 3

A large part of the internet was cut off, and a race with potentially serious consequences has begun, Ilta-Sanomat reported. The United States National Security Agency warned of a global threat, according to ts.fi.4 5

The disruptions were still ongoing on Thursday, with Yle and cedarnews.net both reporting that the PHP-related outages continue.6 7 2

Valtori takes down Finnish government websites as a precaution against cyberattacksWed, Oct 21Valtori, the state IT services agency, is taking down Finnish government online services as a precautionary measure. The shutdown covers state websites, and the agency described the step as a precaution rather than a response to a confirmed breach.

Valtori takes down Finnish government websites as a precaution against cyberattacks

First published Wed, Oct 21

Valtori, the state IT services agency, is taking down Finnish government online services as a precautionary measure. The shutdown covers state websites, and the agency described the step as a precaution rather than a response to a confirmed breach.1 2 3 4

A Finnish authority urged rapid action and warned that a real tsunami of data breaches is coming. The warning ran alongside the takedown of state services.5 1 2

The takedown was reported across Finnish outlets on Wednesday, with Valtori named as the body behind it and the measure described as precautionary in each account.1 2 3 4 5

Espoo to cut 140 jobs and Vantaa 122 as municipal co-determination talks endWed, Oct 21Co-determination talks in Espoo and Vantaa have ended, with Espoo cutting 140 employees and Vantaa dismissing 122. The two cities are also abolishing a series of posts and duties.

Espoo to cut 140 jobs and Vantaa 122 as municipal co-determination talks end

First published Wed, Oct 21

Co-determination talks in Espoo and Vantaa have ended, with Espoo cutting 140 employees and Vantaa dismissing 122. The two cities are also abolishing a series of posts and duties.1 2 3

Espoo's reduction of 140 employees includes 80 dismissals, while Vantaa's 122 come out of the completed negotiations. The cuts were reported across Finnish outlets on Tuesday.1 2

Vantaa's Social Democratic Party said the economy must not be balanced at the expense of children or staff wellbeing, arguing against the terms on which the savings are being made.4

Länsiväylä's editorial argued that Espoo must dare to reform, framing the city's savings as a question of renewal rather than only of cuts.5

Russia frees 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard as Putin and Witkoff open talks in St PetersburgWed, Oct 21Russia has released 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard, Ilta-Sanomat reported. The release came as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff began negotiations in St Petersburg, Keskisuomalainen reported.

Russia frees 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard as Putin and Witkoff open talks in St Petersburg

First published Wed, Oct 21

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Russia has released 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard, Ilta-Sanomat reported. The release came as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff began negotiations in St Petersburg, Keskisuomalainen reported.1 2

US President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should make a deal with Russia, and Ukraine brought new ideas for resolving the war to the table. Trump also said Russia has behaved well toward Ukraine.3 4 2

The Washington Post reported that the United States has not approved the delivery of new Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Ilta-Sanomat reported. Zelenskyy has accused Washington of deliberately delaying missile deliveries, a charge that widened the public breach between Kyiv and Washington.5 4

In Oslo, the United States and Ukraine projected unity, but Trump said the opposite immediately afterward, Yle analysed. Iltalehti reported a professor's view that Zelenskyy had a hidden goal at the Oslo talks, which the professor called the real reason for the negotiations.6 7

Attributed claim: Trump's remarks drew shock, with Iltalehti quoting the reaction that he was "completely Putin's." Uusi Suomi, a centre-right outlet, framed the episode around Trump's irritation with Zelenskyy.8 4

Stubb flies to Oslo to meet Zelenskyy as Ukraine and US weigh talks in NorwayTue, Oct 20President Alexander Stubb will travel to Oslo on a surprise visit and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Norway's prime minister there on Tuesday. The trip was reported by Ilta-Sanomat and Helsingin Sanomat.

Stubb flies to Oslo to meet Zelenskyy as Ukraine and US weigh talks in Norway

First published Tue, Oct 20

President Alexander Stubb will travel to Oslo on a surprise visit and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Norway's prime minister there on Tuesday. The trip was reported by Ilta-Sanomat and Helsingin Sanomat.1 2

Zelenskyy said Ukraine and the United States may hold talks in Norway in the coming days. Keskisuomalainen reported that Zelenskyy could meet US special envoy Witkoff in Norway this week.3 4

Zelenskyy also accused the United States of deliberately delaying missile deliveries to Ukraine, according to the overnight news roundup. The charge adds to a public breach between Kyiv and Washington that earlier coverage described as deepening.5

Sweden's ATG wins Finnish betting licence as nearly 50 firms line up to challenge VeikkausMon, Oct 19Hippos ATG, described as the largest betting company in the Nordic countries, has been granted a gambling operating licence in Finland and will enter the Finnish market. The licence was reported by STT Info and carried by Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti and Ilkka-Pohjalainen.

Sweden's ATG wins Finnish betting licence as nearly 50 firms line up to challenge Veikkaus

First published Mon, Oct 19

Hippos ATG, described as the largest betting company in the Nordic countries, has been granted a gambling operating licence in Finland and will enter the Finnish market. The licence was reported by STT Info and carried by Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti and Ilkka-Pohjalainen.1 2 3 4

Nearly 50 companies intend to challenge Veikkaus as the Finnish gambling system is overhauled, with the new licence round opening the market to outside operators. The change has raised the question of whether Sweden's popular harness racing betting formats will arrive in Finland.5 4

Ilkka-Pohjalainen put that question to the incoming company's content director, who responded on the record about whether the reform would bring the Swedish racing games to Finnish players.4

Finnish outlets press Trump on midterm losses and his grip on the White HouseMon, Oct 19Finnish coverage on Monday turned to the US midterm elections, asking what the vote is about and whether Donald Trump's grip on power tightens regardless of the result. Verkkouutiset reported that the White House is preparing for a crushing defeat, citing polling figures.

Finnish outlets press Trump on midterm losses and his grip on the White House

First published Mon, Oct 19

Finnish coverage on Monday turned to the US midterm elections, asking what the vote is about and whether Donald Trump's grip on power tightens regardless of the result. Verkkouutiset reported that the White House is preparing for a crushing defeat, citing polling figures.1 2

Uusi Suomi carried a researcher's assessment that an exceptional situation is under way in the United States and that the news is very bad for Trump. Suomenkuvalehti focused on the electoral mechanics, quoting the line that a large share of votes is wasted.3 4

Iltalehti summed up the same package with the phrase that Trump's own people had given up, describing the situation as hanging by a hair. The outlet pointed readers to the midterm explainer, the polling account and the researcher interview.5

Tukes warns of social media trend as squeezable toys cause chemical burnsMon, Oct 19Finland's safety authority Tukes has investigated a batch of foul-smelling squeezable toys that became a hit on social media, and packaging made a tenfold difference in the results. Tukes issued a warning about the social media phenomenon surrounding the toys.

Tukes warns of social media trend as squeezable toys cause chemical burns

First published Mon, Oct 19

Finland's safety authority Tukes has investigated a batch of foul-smelling squeezable toys that became a hit on social media, and packaging made a tenfold difference in the results. Tukes issued a warning about the social media phenomenon surrounding the toys.1 2

The toys, familiar to children, have caused chemical burns, and the dangerous trend is spreading on social media. Concern over the toys' terrible smell grew large enough that official guidance on how to act has now been issued.3 4

Finnish forestry markets stay subdued as timber trade posts record weekMon, Oct 19The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) said the outlook for the forest industry remains subdued, with only small growth in felling volumes expected next year. A rapid turnaround for the better is not in sight, Luke stated.

Finnish forestry markets stay subdued as timber trade posts record week

First published Mon, Oct 19

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) said the outlook for the forest industry remains subdued, with only small growth in felling volumes expected next year. A rapid turnaround for the better is not in sight, Luke stated.1 2

Timber trading recorded a record week, with week 42 prices published for the wood trade. The figures were reported across Finnish outlets on Monday.3 4 1

Forest companies said directly what problems the availability and price of wood are causing them. One account holds that a pulp giant's good fortune can be harmful to a sawmill company.5 4 2

A researcher gave a clear estimate that a large sum will melt away from forest owners' incomes, as reported by Kauppalehti.4 1