Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen on Tuesday welcomed European discussions on strengthening regional nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, according to him It is not “currently” realistic to replace the protective US nuclear umbrella. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
European leaders have begun to consider solutions to the continent’s lack of nuclear protection in light of growing uncertainty over US military support. The head of diplomacy of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, told the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat that a discussion should begin on the development of Europe’s own nuclear deterrence. Apart from Russia, only Britain and France currently possess nuclear weapons in Europe.
In an interview with AFP, Häkkänen emphasized that the US continues to support the maintenance of nuclear capabilities within NATO. “I believe… that the US is fully committed to nuclear deterrence in NATO,” said the minister. According to him, European countries “are taking the lead in conventional defense”. He also welcomed the discussion on a “stronger European nuclear deterrent”.
“If Europe invests more in the nuclear deterrent of France or Britain, it will only be good,” said Häkkänen, but emphasized that European nuclear capabilities cannot yet match the American ones.
The New START agreement between the US and Russia expired last week. For the first time in decades, there is no treaty limiting the deployment of nuclear weapons between the two countries, which has raised fears of an arms race.
