Sweden is ready to lead NATO ground forces into neighbouring Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, to boost its deterrent power, the two newest members of the Western military alliance said Monday.
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Sweden and Finland have abandoned decades of military non-alignment to become members of theNATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Helsinki joined the Alliance in 2023 and Stockholm in April 2024. In July, NATO announced that a reinforcement of the military presence was necessary on its eastern flank, notably in Finland, which shares a border 1,340 kilometers long with Russia.
Troops ” ready for combat »
This measure, which involves the deployment of land forces, ready for combat ” according to the definition of the military alliance, requires a ” framework country ” for its implementation, stressed Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defence, during a press briefing with his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson. Helsinki has asked the Suede to fulfill this function, the two ministers announced.
The process is nevertheless at a ” early stage “, the Swedish minister warned, with further consultations planned with the Swedish parliament. No decision has yet been taken on the exact number and location of the troops, Häkkänen said. This issue will be resolved with other NATO member states.
” Defense ” solid
This ” advanced presence » of the Alliance on its eastern flank is declined into « eight multinational battle groups » in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Finlandthis will allow “ to provide deterrence and defense » solid, assured Antti Häkkänen.
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