A scandal is brewing in Finland over a music lesson with a Russian song for a Ukrainian schoolgirl
In the Finnish city of Espoo, a Ukrainian schoolgirl, Nicole, had to sing the Russian song “Kalinka” during a music lesson, causing discontent among the Ukrainian community in the country. The girl’s mother noted that this situation is an example of “normalizing the aggressor.”
11-year-old Ukrainian Nicole, studying at a Swedish-language school in Espoo, was forced to perform the Russian song “Kalinka,” famously performed by the Red Army, after the teacher insisted on it despite her refusal. Nicole expressed discontent, stating that she did not want to sing in Russian as she found it unacceptable given the current events. The girl’s mother, Irina Gorkun-Silen, expressed her indignation, calling such practice in the lesson unacceptable, adding that fear of receiving a bad grade forced her daughter to sing the song.
The school principal, Ellinor Hellman, declined to comment on the specific situation, pointing to the educational goals of the program, which include familiarization with different cultures. The Finnish National Board of Education confirmed that teachers have the freedom to choose teaching methods, emphasizing that the controversial assignment could have been replaced with a different song or instrumental accompaniment.
The event has received wide resonance on social media, where the appropriateness of integrating elements of Russian culture into Finnish educational institutions is actively discussed. Vasyl Gutsul, chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in Finland, also expressed concern about such incidents, noting that culture and politics are inseparable.
Impact on Ukrainian refugees in other countries:
| Country | Change in support |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Tightening rules for refugees, reducing the period of free accommodation, introducing financial requirements |
| Latvia | Reduction of aid by 25.3 million euros in 2026 compared to 2025 |
