U.S. President Donald Trump has assured that the United States will actively defend Finland in the event of a military attack by Russia, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the meeting. During a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, he also criticized Spain for refusing to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Trump stated that American support for Finland would be decisive if Russian forces were to attack the country, although he noted that the likelihood of such a scenario is low. “I think the chances of this are very, very, very small,” the U.S. president emphasized.
At the same time, he expressed frustration over Spain’s defense policy, pointing out that the country lags behind other NATO members. “We have one [NATO member] that is falling behind. That is Spain. […] Perhaps it should be removed from NATO,” Trump said.
During the meeting, an agreement was also signed between the United States and Finnish companies for the supply of four icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard. The ships are planned to be used in the Arctic to counter the influence of Russia and China. “We really need these ships because we have a lot of territory. More than anyone else. And so it is a great honor for me to conclude this deal,” Trump said.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that the first icebreaker would be delivered to the United States in 2028. “This is a major strategic decision by President [Trump], as we all know that the Arctic is important both strategically and economically,” Stubb added.
When asked about the possibility of awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, Stubb stated that two key issues still need to be resolved — the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the war between Russia and Ukraine. “And once these issues are resolved, I see no obstacles for Trump [to receive the Nobel Peace Prize] next year,” said the Finnish president.
Stubb also added that the prize is equally deserved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and King Abdullah II ibn Hussein of Jordan.
Earlier we wrote that Israel and Hamas sign first stage of Gaza peace deal brokered by Trump.
