Report: France Could Station Nuclear Weapons in Finland
A report says France could deploy nuclear weapons in Finland if Helsinki approves legal changes allowing the import and storage of nuclear arms.
France may consider transferring nuclear weapons to Finland as part of efforts to deter Russia, The National Interest reports.
According to the publication, if the Finnish government adopts the proposed amendment, Helsinki could host French nuclear weapons on its territory as part of a broader deterrence strategy against what is described as a Russian threat in the region and across Europe.
On March 5, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the government proposes allowing the import, transport, delivery, and storage of nuclear weapons in situations related to national defense.
In recent months, European countries have intensified rhetoric surrounding nuclear deterrence. French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that France is entering a period of «advanced nuclear deterrence.» Under the new doctrine, Paris plans to increase the number of nuclear warheads, while allied countries would be able to take part in joint deterrence exercises. These reportedly include the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow has opposed and will continue to oppose actions that could trigger a nuclear arms race.