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FIIA Day 2026
FIIA DAY 2026
Russia and Europe: Managing antagonism and risks
Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 13:30–17:15
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lasted longer than any war that Russia or the Soviet Union waged in the 20th century. All international efforts in general and the US involvement in particular notwithstanding, prospects of peace or a lasting ceasefire are uncertain. Although all parties have emphasised the “constructive” character of the negotiations, the concrete results of the talks are slim. In the meantime, the European debate on Russia is at a crossroads: some seeking a dialogue with Moscow, while others urge Europeans to prepare for a war with Russia in a short-to-medium term perspective. In turn, the Kremlin puts the blame for the continuation of its war with Ukraine on Europe, which does not encourage de-escalation.
FIIA Day 2026 offers an analytical perspective of where Russia is heading, what are the main trends in the country’s economy, internal developments and international posture, what implications all this may have for Europe, and how the latter could manage the current, highly conflictual, bilateral relationship. Also, the main conclusions and recommendations of the recent study on Russia’s full-spectrum influence on Finland in 2000s will be discussed.
PROGRAMME
13.30-15.00 Session I
Opening remarks:
Samu Paukkunen, Debuty Director, FIIA
Panel discussion: Where is Russia headed?
Speakers:
Jussi Lassila, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Laura Solanko, Senior Adviser, BOFIT
Margarita Zavadskaya, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Moderator:
Jussi Niemeläinen, Editorial Writer, Helsingin Sanomat
15.00-15.30 Break
15.30-17.15 Session II
Presenting the lessons learned from the report on Russia’s full-spectrum influence activities in Finland in the 2000s
Speaker:
Sinikukka Saari, Leading Researcher, FIIA
Moderator:
Samu Paukkunen, Deputy Director
Panel discussion: Implications for Europe: How should we cope with Russia?
Speakers:
Thomas Gomart, Director, Ifri
Arkady Moshes, Programme Director, FIIA
Kristi Raik, Director, ICDS
Moderator:
Samu Paukkunen, Deputy Director