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US Military Near Russian Border? Finland Close To Sealing Pact With US For Exclusive Access – Reports

Russia’s perceived security threat could register yet another rise as NATO’s newest member, Finland, which shares a mammoth border with the country, is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a defense cooperation agreement with the United States.

The news was reported by local Finnish publications, YLE and Helsingin Sanomat, on October 30, citing their respective sources. The people with knowledge of the matter told the media that the negotiations may be wrapped up as early as this week, which essentially means that a political decision to reach an agreement could be made the following week.

As per reports, there are only a few remaining legal issues that are being worked upon by the two sides. In essence, by strengthening and defining the cooperation within the framework of NATO, the agreement would determine how US forces can operate in Finland.

Finland is expected to provide US forces exclusive access to locations for storing vehicles, weapons, and other equipment needed to conduct military drills in Finland, as well as access to several secret garrisons and military outposts, harbors, and likely an airport, according to speculations in the media. However, there will be no establishment of a permanent US base.

According to reports, the US troops would likely secure access to their buildings and training grounds, be able to store and repair equipment and be allowed to enter the nation for exercises at any time within the parameters established by the agreement.

Moreover, the deal was initially anticipated to lead to more joint drills rather than the transfer of a sizable number of US troops and weaponry to Finland, according to the newspaper. EurAsian Times could not independently corroborate these claims made by the local media.




President Niinistö and President Biden at the Joint Press Conference in the Presidential Palace.
File Image: President Niinistö and President Biden at the Joint Press Conference in the Presidential Palace.

However, a defense cooperation agreement has been in the works between the two states for over a year and has only seen dedicated work since Finland became the youngest NATO member on April 4, 2023.

Reports from August revealed that three rounds of negotiations had been completed by then and that concluding the negotiations was reportedly a prerogative under Finland’s new Government Programme.

Moreover, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier noted that the agreement will address practical issues with troop entry, pre-storage of equipment, and taxation within Finland. Additionally, it stated that the US would be allowed to invest in Finland’s military infrastructure using funds provided by Congress.

Local reports also stated that the legal status of the troops — that is, whether they are under Finnish or US jurisdiction — will be one of the issues the agreement will resolve. Finland could ask for restoring its authority in some problematic situations, such as crimes against the health and well-being of others or crimes of social significance, even though the US would still have jurisdiction in contested matters.

Although there had been a preliminary agreement on defense cooperation for years, the conversations did not begin until last year, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The US has made similar agreements with several other NATO and some non-NATO countries. 

The Finnish ministry stated that the start of talks demonstrates Washington’s commitment to security in Finland and Europe, characterizing the US as the most important external actor in Northern Europe. Finland and the UK inked a similar security assurance deal last May.

The agreement, however, comes at a time when tensions are running high between Russia and NATO in the wake of increased hostilities with Ukraine. Russia described the accession of Finland to NATO as crossing red lines, which also warned Finland and NATO of consequences. With a defense agreement in the works between the US and Finland now, the tensions could see another round of uptick.

Tensions Refuse To Abate Between Russia & Finland

Earlier this month, Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree terminating the 2012 agreement with Finland, which was meant to promote cross-border cooperation. Since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, all cross-border engagements have remained unofficially terminated.

The Finnish ambassador, Antti Helantera, was called by Russia’s Foreign Ministry to deliver a diplomatic message regarding the breakup of their cross-border cooperation arrangement.

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