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NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Helsinki, Finland for the first time since the Scandinavian country joined the alliance. Stoltenberg met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and announced that the military alliance had no plans to send troops to Ukraine and that Moscow was not an “imminent” threat to Western countries.

NATO Secretary General emphasized that Finland’s membership in NATO fortifies the alliance while enhancing Finland’s security. During his visit to Helsinki, Stoltenberg underscored the crucial role Finland plays in NATO‘s collective defense strategy, praising the nation’s substantial contributions and its robust defense investments.

Stoltenberg highlighted Finland’s commitment to defense, noting its investment of 2% of its GDP in this sector. “We also welcome the many Finnish contributions to NATO missions and operations. This week, you started to do air policing out of Romania. That is yet another example of how you contribute to our shared security,” he stated.

The Secretary General’s visit to Finland came at a time when NATO is striving to reinforce its eastern flank and ensure the security of its member states in the face of various geopolitical challenges. Finland’s strategic location and its military capabilities make it a valuable addition to NATO’s defense architecture. By participating in air policing missions in Romania, Finland demonstrates its solidarity with other NATO members and its commitment to safeguarding the alliance’s airspace.

Great to be in Helsinki for the 1st time since #Finland joined #NATO. President @alexstubb and I continued preparing the #NATOSummit, and I thanked him for 🇫🇮’s many contributions to the Alliance – including 2% defence spending, strong support to #Ukraine, and now, air policing. pic.twitter.com/qnx6PvA7g3

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 6, 2024

Finland’s support for Ukraine

In addition to discussing Finland’s role within NATO, Stoltenberg lauded the country for its steadfast support of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts. Finland has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, amounting to 2 billion euros. “We will discuss at the NATO Summit and in the preparations for the NATO Summit, how to ensure that we stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Stoltenberg affirmed. This statement underscores NATO’s resolve to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the long term.

However, Stoltenberg acknowledged that there have been some gaps and delays in the provision of military support to Ukraine over the past months. “We need to ensure that that doesn’t happen again. And that’s the reason why we are now working in NATO on how to establish a NATO mission for Ukraine,” he added. This mission aims to provide Ukraine with the predictability and accountability it needs, ensuring that aid is delivered efficiently and effectively.

Stoltenberg’s visit to Helsinki also included participation in an event hosted by the Atlantic Council of Finland, where he was joined by President Alexander Stubb. The event provided a platform for discussing the broader implications of Finland’s NATO membership and its impact on regional security. Additionally, Stoltenberg met with Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen to further discuss bilateral and NATO-related matters.

No troops in Ukraine

While speaking at a joint press conference with Finland’s President, Stoltenberg clarified that the Alliance has no intentions of sending troops to Ukraine. “NATO has no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine,” said Stoltenberg.

“We don’t see any imminent military threat against any NATO ally. And now, of course, Russia is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine,” he reassured while at the same time suggesting that “when the fighting ends in Ukraine, they can rebuild those forces.” NATO has the strongest alliance in the world and the purpose of standing together is “one for all, all for one,” Stoltenberg added, emphasizing that the aim is to “prevent an attack.”

“So, this idea that there is a kind of countdown to the next war is wrong. We are there to prevent that from happening. We have done so for 75 years,” he told reporters in Helsinki.

Some NATO member states have been hinting at sending troops to Ukraine to provide extra support to Kyiv, which is failing to sustain Russia’s advancements in the eastern and northern regions. Last week, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that his country is not ruling out sending troops to Ukraine. Asked in an interview whether Poland was ready to send troops to Ukraine, Sikorski said, “We shouldn’t rule it out. We should leave Putin guessing as to our intentions”.

NATO chief visits Sweden

Later on June 7, 2024, Stoltenberg paid his first visit to Sweden since the country joined NATO in March. Following his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the NATO chief said that Sweden’s membership has made NATO stronger and Sweden safer.

Highlighting Sweden’s contributions to the Alliance, including well-trained forces and advanced capabilities, he said that Sweden also spends more than 2% of GDP on defense and strengthens “our presence not least in the High North and the Baltic region.” Stoltenberg also welcomed the announcement by Sweden to contribute to NATO’s Air Policing. “This demonstrates how Sweden is making major contributions to our Alliance, just three months after you joined,” he added.

Great to visit #Sweden for the 1st time since they joined #NATO. @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson & I celebrated National Day, met the armed forces, and prepared the #NATOSummit. I thanked him for 🇸🇪’s support to #Ukraine, and his announcement that Sweden will join NATO air policing. pic.twitter.com/VBnawXGhVz

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 7, 2024

Stoltenberg also welcomed Sweden’s decision to deliver two state-of-the-art radar surveillance aircraft to Ukraine as part of Stockholm’s largest assistance package to date.

During his visit to Sweden, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also visited the Swedish Armed Forces at Berga Naval Base.