Russia Will Redeploy Forces to NATO’s Eastern Flank After Ukraine Peace Deal, Finland’s PM Warns

Russia would redeploy its forces towards NATO’s eastern flank if there is a peace deal in Ukraine, Finland’s prime minister has warned, urging Europe to give more money to defense in frontline states.

Petteri Orpo called for the rest of the EU to show solidarity with the eastern flank countries, which are dramatically increasing their defence spending.

These countries are the leading financial backers of Ukraine in terms of GDP, even as many of their economies are suffering.

“We certainly know that when there will be peace in Ukraine, Russia is still the threat. It’s obvious that they are going to move their military forces to near our border and near the Baltic border,” Mr. Orpo said. “It’s clear that we need financial support [from Brussels].”

Mr. Orpo will host the first eastern flank summit of eight countries that share a maritime or land border with Russia and belarus on Tuesday.

The states will attempt to adopt common military capabilities in areas such as air defence,drones and land forces. They also want to discuss how to move weaponry and troops across the Continent.

Several NATO countries have warned that Russia would be ready for a major confrontation with the western military alliance within three to five years of the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.

Estonia, Lithuania and Poland are on course all to spend more than 5 per cent of their GDP on defence next year – well ahead of former US president donald Trump’s spending target – with other frontline states also increasing their military expenditure.

mr. Orpo said it was important for europe to be ready to defend itself as the US starts disengaging from the Continent. “We know that the US is going to decrease the support and participation in defence in Europe because they have many other security concerns.”

Finland is one of the few countries in Europe not to have let its guard down against russia, keeping up a formidable program of preparedness including bomb shelters and vast supplies of critical materials as well as training of young people and elites.