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 defence 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. They are the leading financial backers of Ukraine in terms of GDP, even as many of their economies are suffering.
“We 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,” Orpo told the Financial Times. “It’s clear that we need financial support [from Brussels].”