Finnish Defense Minister: Negotiating with NATO Countries to Deploy Forces in Our Territory

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkinen stated that his country is negotiating with several NATO member states to deploy forces on its territory. Häkkinen announced to reporters that NATO units could be deployed in the country for an extended period, but not on a permanent basis. He noted that discussions are focused on the tense situation, not on phases of a real military threat. The minister did not provide details on which countries Finland is negotiating with, while also mentioning that other countries besides Northern Europe are participating in these discussions. He added that talks will continue in the fall and winter. Earlier, Häkkinen mentioned that a NATO ground forces headquarters will be established in Finland, while confirming that the location of the future headquarters has not yet been determined.