VIDEO The president of a NATO country bordering Russia says that Europe can defend itself without the Americans. “We can mobilize 280,000 soldiers in a few weeks”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, pictured with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a visit to Berlin in May 2024, PHOTO: M. Popow / Imago Stock and People / Profimedia Images
NATO member countries in Europe can also defend themselves without the support of the United States in the event of an aggression by Russia, but they need the American military equipment purchased to work according to the parameters, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Wednesday during a discussion with the public that was organized at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Asked about Europe's ability to defend itself, Stubb said:
“Two answers. The first is a direct answer to this panel's question. Can Europe defend itself? My answer is unequivocally: 'Yes'.”
Asked by the moderator of the discussion whether “without Americans”, the Finnish president stated that “without Americans, that is…”.
“How? But you're relying on them for these key elements. How would you do that on a large scale and long-term and with intensity?” interrupted the moderator.
“Furthermore supposing the United States would cut off all cooperation altogether? Well, if we look at Europe's defense posture, broadly speaking, in a country like Finland… So how do we do it? We have conscription, a million people have done it; we can mobilize 280,000 soldiers in a few weeks,” Stubb replied.
Finland's president says his country can also defend itself in the event of a Russian attack
“We have 62 [avioane de luptă] F-18. Your next question will be: 'Can I fly without Americans?' No, they can't, but do we trust that they will continue to fly because it's in America's best interest for that to happen? Yes, we just bought 64 F-35s,” he continued, apparently referring to the fact that the countries that bought them need Pentagon assistance to operate them.
“We have the largest artillery arsenal in Europe, along with Poland. We have long-range land-based, naval and air-to-air missiles. We don't have them because we're worried about Stockholm, right? So, you know, the bottom line is, if you ask me if the Finnish military can defend itself against a Russian attack, the whole defense posture, the way it's designed, yes, we can,” concluded Alexander Stubb.
