The Finnish president, Alexander Stubbhas considered it unlikely that Russia will directly test NATO defensecontemplated in article 5 of the allied treaty, although he believes that Russia will continue launching “hybrid trials” against European countries. “I don’t see any incentive for Russia to test Article 5 of NATO. There will always be hybrid tests, I don’t deny it, but if we look at the eastern flank, I don’t think it’s going to put it to the test,” he said in a press conference with his Estonian counterpart. Alar Karis.
Thus, both presidents have called to remain calm and increase preparationincluding defense capabilities, in the face of Russian threats that Moscow could invade a neighboring country when the war in Ukraine ends, something they described as “Russian tactic to create anxiety“. In this sense, they have emphasized the importance of European countries continuing to taking more responsibility in the security of the continent, as demanded by the United States, through the increase in defense spending agreed within NATO.
