Helsinki: Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen expressed his belief that the United States would not resort to attacking Greenland, emphasizing that any unconventional action against an allied nation could lead to significant consequences for Washington.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Hakkanen conveyed his views during an interaction with Finnish daily Ilta-Sanomat, highlighting the critical role of alliances built on political trust in maintaining America's global economic and political influence.
Hakkanen noted that allies across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are closely observing the treatment of allied countries worldwide. He warned that any unusual actions could undermine the United States' substantial advantage over China, which lacks a similarly reliable global alliance network. While acknowledging the positive aspect of increased US investment in Arctic security, Hakkanen stressed the importance of respecting Danish authority over matters related to Greenland.
The Finnish defense minister's remarks come in the wake of US President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory within Denmark. Trump's calls for an American takeover of Greenland, for US security interests, were renewed following a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Hakkanen also addressed the situation in Venezuela, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to international law and the right to self-determination. He described Maduro as a dictator without a mandate from his people but insisted that international law must be respected. He suggested that the recent events in Venezuela would not significantly influence Russia's or China's actions, as these nations have historically prioritized their interests over international rules.
Further, Hakkanen underscored the importance of keeping the US engaged in European security and peace negotiations in Ukraine. He expressed confidence in Washington's continued commitment despite the developments in Venezuela, cautioning that Ukraine's stability is crucial and that Russia remains a formidable military threat.
The defense minister advised against underestimating Russia, highlighting their readiness to take substantial risks and potentially make severe miscalculations. He advocated for strengthening the defense capabilities of allied nations to prevent the growth of war risks, though he noted no immediate direct threat at present.