Prospective US–Finland Defense Pact ‘Poses Threat’ to Russia, Moscow Claims

A prospective defense agreement between the United States and Finland, which joined NATO earlier this year, will “pose a threat” to Russia, the Kremlin said on Dec. 15. The pact, which will grant the U.S. military broad access to Finnish territory, is expected to be signed in Washington on Dec. 18. Asked by reporters about the impending move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the agreement would “undoubtedly” lead to increased tensions between Russia and Finland. According to Finnish officials, the agreement will grant the U.S. military speedy access to the Scandinavian country in the event of a conflict. It will also allow the U.S. military to conduct exercises on Finnish territory, they said....