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Finland
Finland's Russian community angry over border closures
Helsinki's decision to close four of the country's nine border crossings with Russia to stem the flow of undocumented migrants and refugees into Finland is impacting residents with relatives in Russia. At a protest in the capital, people raised concerns about a new 'Iron Curtain'.
Russia
Russian lawmakers approve budget with record amount earmarked for defence spending
Under the spending plan, the country's largest ever, defence spending is expected to overtake social spending next year for the first time in modern Russian history. The development comes as the Kremlin is eager to shore up support for President Vladimir Putin before a March presidential election.
Ukraine
Journalists expose Russia's erosion of Ukrainian culture and identity
The European Broadcasting Union Investigative Journalism Network says Moscow has been systematically eradicating Ukrainian identity in illegally annexed eastern territories. Its report said ''breaking or ignoring Russia's rules can make it hard to survive''.
