Russia’s Republic of Karelia historically thrived on deep cultural and economic ties with Finland and Europe, but Putin-era isolationism has severed cross-border cooperation, triggering economic crisis, emigration, and the decline of Karelia’s distinct Finno-Ugric cultural identity. The Kremlin promotes “Russian World” imperial ideology, Russian Orthodoxy, and anti-European narratives in Karelia while marginalizing the Karelian language and culture. Since 2022, Moscow has militarized Karelia, prioritizing troop deployments and defense spending over civilian needs. Despite official hostility toward Finland, many Karelians still view Europe as a path to education and opportunity, reflected in lower support for the United Russia party in Karelia and acts of political defiance, such as the regional opposition’s December 2025 parliamentary walkout.
Kremlin Pushing Karelia to Become Anti-European Outpost – Jamestown
