Finland calls on US to maintain military presence in Europe to deter Russia

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb emphasised the importance of the U.S. retaining critical military equipment in Europe to deter Russia, even as Washington considers reducing its troop presence on the continent.

He made the remarks during an interview with POLITICO at the Finnish residence in New York on September 25.

Stubb said he is “not too worried” about the outcome of the Pentagon’s ongoing review of U.S. strategic assets worldwide, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Referring to discussions about potentially shifting forces to the Indo-Pacific, he noted: “I think there’ll be a bit of a shift to the Indo-Pacific and that’s understandable. When it comes to the number of troops there will probably be some discussion on that but at this stage I’m not too worried. It’s in the strategic interest of the United States, and very cost effective” to maintain U.S. forces in Europe.

He acknowledged that some reduction in troop numbers may occur but said the scale is currently unknown. While American policymakers have debated cutting U.S. forces, the Pentagon has not yet revealed formal plans. Neighboring countries of Russia, which has recently violated European airspace multiple times, are preparing for the possibility of troop drawdowns. Estonian President Alar Karis previously told POLITICO that frontline nations need to be ready for such changes.

For NATO allies in Europe, Stubb stressed the priority is that the U.S. continues to base essential assets such as air carriers and radar systems on the continent. Currently, between 70,000 and 90,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe, a number increased under former President Joe Biden following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Stubb also highlighted the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, noting that the 19 rounds of measures passed so far have severely strained the Russian economy. “They've run out of reserves. Their inflation and interest rates are both over 20 per cent. Their growth rate is zero or negative. And they are going to have to raise taxes. So Russia is seeing the economic price of the war,” he said.

He added that to secure a ceasefire, it is necessary to alter President Vladimir Putin’s strategic calculations by demonstrating a united and firm stance in support of Ukraine. Stubb noted that Russia is currently testing NATO’s resolve through “hybrid warfare,” including repeated airspace violations by drones and combat aircraft. “As a Finn, it’s important to stay calm in these situations,” he said. “Show resolve.”

By Tamilla Hasanova