Newsweek in plain Finnish | Sunday 23.8.2026

Stubb in Kiev. Police use of force. African swine fever. Bear hunting.

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Stubb in Kiev

Four people at a conference table with Ukrainian and European Union flags on the table, documents and drinking glasses.

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Photo: Office of the President of the Republic

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is visiting the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Stubb traveled to Kiev today, Sunday.

Tomorrow, Monday, is Ukraine’s Independence Day. President Stubb will participate in the celebration. Stubb will also participate in several meetings in Kiev. Several other European leaders will arrive in Kiev.

President Stubb last visited Ukraine in February.

Russia has carried out more attacks on Ukraine than before. The European Union is planning more support for Ukraine.

Police use of force

The picture shows a remote control gun on the policeman’s waist.

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Photo: Jaakko Stenroos / AOP

There was a lot of talk this week about police actions. In a short period of time, there were 3 incidents where the police may have used excessive force.

In Tuusula, a police car drove in front of a young moped rider. The moped went off the road and crashed into a fence. The moped rider was injured.

In Tampere, the police pointed a gun at a man when he opened the door of a police van.

In Espoo, a man with intellectual disabilities died when police used a remote-controlled stun gun. A remote-controlled stun gun is a weapon that delivers an electric shock.

If it is suspected that the police have broken the law, the matter will be investigated by the prosecutor. The investigation into all 3 cases is still ongoing.

African swine fever

A sign warning against pig farming and prohibiting dogs from going into the forest.

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Photo: Pyry Sarkiola / Yle

More African swine fever cases were found in Finland this week. Swine fever is found in wild boars in southeastern Finland. There are more than 20 cases.

Swine fever is found in a small area. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah says that a fence will be built in the area. The purpose of the fence is to prevent the spread of swine fever.

African swine fever is a serious disease that spreads easily. Swine fever does not infect humans, but pigs or wild boars will die from the disease.

Bear hunting

A bear in the border zone between Finland and Russia in the Kuhmo wilderness on August 16, 2022.

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Photo: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva

Bear hunting began in Finland this week. Bear hunting was banned for 2 years. In Eastern and Central Finland, over 180 bears can be hunted. Bears can also be hunted in the northern reindeer herding area.

There are more bears than before. That’s why bear hunting is allowed again.

In Joensuu, 2 hunters were injured when a bear attacked them. The bear was wounded earlier.

This was a news week in plain Finnish. See you again, let’s hear from you!