European countries warn of Russian threat ‘today, tomorrow and for foreseeable future’ at defence meeting
In Helsinki, eight northern and eastern European countries have been meeting to discuss their defence.
In a joint statement, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania say Russia is the most significant, direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability.
Finland’s prime minister told the meeting Europe was facing “some of the most serious and existential questions of our time”.
Petteri Orpo echoed Donald Trump’s comments yesterday, saying “we are closer to peace than ever before” but warned “we don’t see any signs that Russia really wants peace”.
“Russia remains a threat today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future, for the whole of Europe,” he said.
“This is the reason we are strengthening our cooperation.
“We share a strong political will to reinforce our common security and Europe’s defence, starting from the eastern flank.”