Russia-Ukraine: Finland-U.S Defense Pact | Strengthening Alliances in Changing Dynamics | Oneindia

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Finland gears up to ink a significant defence pact with the United States, marking a crucial diplomatic move. Join us for insights into the details, implications, and reactions surrounding this strategic partnership. Stay informed with the latest in international relations—subscribe now!

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Transcript

00:00 In a significant diplomatic move, Finland is set to sign a defence cooperation agreement

00:07 with the United States on Monday, December 18, according to the Finnish government's

00:11 announcement.

00:12 The agreement is expected to provide the US military with extensive access across Finland,

00:18 particularly in the vicinity of its long border with Russia.

00:22 This strategic partnership comes as Finland, Russia's Nordic neighbour, joined the NATO

00:26 military alliance earlier this year in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

00:33 Foreign Minister Elena Veltunen emphasised the efficiency of this agreement, stating

00:38 that having a comprehensive understanding in place, streamlines peacetime operations

00:43 and proves crucial in times of crisis.

00:47 This groundbreaking agreement with the United States is strategically designed to facilitate

00:51 swift military access and provide aid to Finland in the event of a conflict, as revealed by

00:57 officials ahead of the announcement.

00:59 The comprehensive agreement outlines 15 facilities and areas across Finland where the US military

01:05 will enjoy unimpeded access, including provisions for storing military equipment and ammunition.

01:12 Among these locations are four airbases, a military port and railway access to northern

01:17 Finland.

01:18 Notably, the US military will have a designated storage area alongside a railway that extends

01:23 to the Russian border, marking a significant development in this defence cooperation.

01:29 As part of strategic enhancements, Finland is currently upgrading its railway infrastructure

01:34 along the Swedish border to facilitate the smooth deployment of reinforcements and equipment

01:40 from alleys across the Atlantic.

01:43 The focus is on Kemijärvi, situated just an hour's drive from the Russian border and

01:48 approximately seven hours from Russia's nuclear bastion and military bases near Murmansk in

01:54 the Kola Peninsula.

01:56 The move aligns with Finland's commitment to strengthening defence capabilities.

02:01 Meanwhile, neighbouring Sudan, awaiting NATO membership, recently signed a similar agreement

02:07 with the US providing access to 17 areas, including airbases, a harbour and military

02:12 camps.

02:13 Among NATO members, the United States has inked same defence cooperation agreements

02:19 with several nations, including Norway, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech

02:25 Republic, Hungary and Estonia.

02:28 The agreement with Denmark is pending approval for now.

02:31 Notably, Finland emphasises its commitment to international non-proliferation treaties,

02:36 bearing the storage or transport of nuclear and biological weapons, as well as anti-personnel

02:42 mines on its territory.

02:43 While the US military is granted the ability to maintain a permanent presence and conduct

02:48 regular exercises in Finland, there are no plans for establishing permanent bases.

02:53 The official signing of the agreement is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC on Monday,

02:58 December 18, followed by ratification by legislators in both countries.

03:03 For more UN videos visit: www.un.org/webcast

Russia-Ukraine: Finland-U.S Defense Pact | Strengthening Alliances in Changing Dynamics | Oneindia

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