2023-05-04 11:37:01
“US Soldiers Could Appear on Bases Near Russia’s Border with Finland”: Newsweek reports that with the conclusion of a defense cooperation agreement between Helsinki and Washington, US troops will be allowed to place important military infrastructure on Finnish soil.
“The defense cooperation agreement has been under discussion since last autumn. Helsinki went on to say: “Finland’s accession to NATO does not detract from the importance of bilateral cooperation with the United States. On the contrary, it will open up new possibilities.”
According to the Finnish negotiator, the forthcoming US-Finland treaty will allow for the presence of US troops, the deployment of equipment, as well as investment in infrastructure through funds allocated by Congress to the Pentagon.
Although the Finns supported NATO membership by an overwhelming majority, polls show that there is no consensus on the presence of foreign troops. A January poll showed that only 39 percent of respondents approved of establishing a permanent NATO base.
Finnish President Niiniste said such bilateral agreements could be beneficial for Finland’s security. Some say Helsinki will view the US military presence in Finland, however small, essential to a larger effort to deter Russian aggression: “America will be able to send reinforcements if conflict erupts. So Finland may need the presence of American military equipment or pre-positioned stockpiles.
The United States is currently preparing similar treaties with Sweden and Denmark.”
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