Finland urges US to keep key military equipment in Europe
NEW YORK — The U.S. Pentagon should retain key military equipment in Europe to deter Russia even as Washington prepares to draw down the number of troops it keeps stationed on the continent, Finland’s president told POLITICO on Thursday.
Speaking at the Finnish residence in New York, Alexander Stubb said he was “not too worried” about the outcome of the ongoing review of U.S. strategic assets around the world, the results of which are expected to be unveiled in coming weeks.
“I think there’ll be a bit of a shift to the Indo-Pacific and that’s understandable,” Stubb said, referring to discussions about potentially moving U.S. troops and military equipment from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region. “When it comes to the number of troops there will probably be some discussion on that but at this stage I’m not too worried. It’s in the strategic interest of the United States, and very cost effective” to keep U.S. forces in Europe.
He added: “I’m sure there will be some reduction, but by how..