U.S. signs new defense pact with Finland

The United States has signed a new defense cooperation agreement with Finland, according to the State Department.

The agreement bolsters military ties between the United States and Finland, which joined NATO in April following concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, allowing for joint training, interoperability and the stationing of U.S. troops.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a signing ceremony, brought up Finland’s tense history with Russia, according to a transcript of the event.

“In 1939, the Finns also faced a Russian invasion, and proved that a free nation can put up an incredibly powerful and resilient resistance," he said. “Your history is also a reminder of why it's so important that we all continue to stand with Ukraine. Autocrats who try to redraw one nation's border by force almost certainly will not stop there."

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the agreement, though it bolsters military cooperation, does not transfer the responsibility of defending Finnish soil.

“We do not expect the United States to take care of the defense of Finland,” he said. “We continue to invest in our defense and shared burden in our area and beyond. However, this agreement significantly enhances our ability to act together in all situations in military, security, defense fields.”

All Nordic countries, he said, will soon have similar agreements in place.

“It gives us a powerful set of tools to work together in support of NATO plans,” the minister said. “It is a strong sign of U.S. commitment to the defense of Finland and the whole of Northern Europe.”