On Monday, Finland signed an agreement to enhance military cooperation with the United States, a move that comes just a day after a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to Finland joining NATO earlier this year.
The defense minister of Finland, Antti Hakkanen, described the agreement as a “strong signal of the United States’ commitment to the defense of Finland and the entire northern Europe.” While emphasizing that Finland does not expect the US to handle its defense, Hakkanen stated that the agreement significantly improves their ability to act together in various situations.
Historically neutral, Finland opted to join NATO this year, influenced by concerns arising from Russia’s actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine. Putin, in a televised interview on Sunday, accused the West of dragging Finland into NATO and warned of “problems” created by the alliance’s membership.
In response to the situation, Putin announced the establishment of a new Russian military district near Finland, a country sharing a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized Finland’s historical resilience, recalling how the Finns faced a Russian invasion in 1939.
Blinken noted that Finland understands the stakes for Ukraine, stating, “Their history is also a reminder of why it’s so important for all of us to stand with Ukraine.” Blinken, along with Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen, reiterated their support for Sweden’s NATO entry, a candidacy submitted alongside Finland but facing opposition from Turkey.