President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Helsinki to celebrate Finland’s recent NATO membership marks a significant moment for both the United States and the Nordic country. This visit serves to amplify Biden’s unwavering support for NATO and Finland’s defiant stance against Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. In contrast to a meeting five years ago, where former President Donald Trump delivered a different message altogether, the current visit underscores the shift in approach and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to its alliances.
In July 2018, former President Donald Trump traveled to Helsinki for a meeting with President Putin. Their two-hour private meeting, with only translators present, drew much attention and raised concerns. Trump’s subsequent public praise of Putin during a press conference, along with his reluctance to support the assessment of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia had interfered in the 2016 elections, created skepticism among U.S. allies in Europe. This episode eroded confidence in Trump’s willingness to confront Putin’s actions and fulfill the U.S. obligations under NATO’s Article 5.
President Biden’s visit to Finland, five years later, carries a stark contrast to his predecessor’s meeting in Helsinki. With Finland and Sweden now joining NATO and an increase in military support for Ukraine from treaty signatories, Biden’s visit showcases the repairing efforts he has spearheaded since assuming office. In a recent speech before departing Lithuania, Biden emphasized that Putin’s expectation of NATO’s disintegration had proven wrong due to the unity and resolve of democratic leaders.
Trump’s questioning of the value of NATO and his criticism of member countries contributed to uncertainty about the alliance’s future. However, Biden’s Helsinki trip reflects his firm commitment to NATO and its expansion under American leadership. The revitalization and strengthening of the alliance demonstrate its resilience and growth during this crucial period. Experts perceive Biden’s visit as a symbol of embracing the NATO alliance and its significance in safeguarding collective security.
During his visit, President Biden will engage in discussions with the leaders of Nordic countries, including Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, to address Finland’s security concerns along its 800-mile border with Russia. With Finland and Sweden now within NATO’s fold, the alliance will undertake fresh military assessments and contingency planning to ensure preparedness in the face of potential Russian border incursions.
President Biden’s visit to Helsinki stands out as a testament to the United States’ revitalized commitment to NATO and the alliances that underpin global security. Contrasting sharply with the actions of his predecessor, Biden’s trip highlights the significant repair work undertaken to restore faith in American leadership and reinforce the collective determination to confront challenges posed by Russia. The discussions between Biden and Nordic leaders in Helsinki will further underscore the alliance’s solidarity, as preparations are made to protect Finland and Sweden against potential Russian threats along their borders.
The Business Press 