• Finnish President Alexander Stubb called on Europe to ‘calm down and lower the temperature’ after the US announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany.
  • Stubb is convinced that the US will not leave Europe because it needs a base to project power into the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
  • The Finnish president believes that Europe often undermines deterrence with panicked public messages, despite increasing defense spending.
  • Stubb opposed the idea that Europe would be helpless without Washington, noting that Finland can defend itself against Russia.
  • Stubb believes it is time to start talks with Russia on Ukraine, but a peace plan is not on the table for this year.
  • EU chief Kaja Kallas rejected Putin’s proposal for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to mediate peace talks.

Sources & Links