In a recent appearance on Yle, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen engaged in discussions regarding European nuclear deterrence amid current geopolitical tensions. The discussions, which have been ongoing under French President Emmanuel Macron, involve Sweden, Germany, and Poland considering an enhancement of nuclear deterrent capabilities in Europe. Key political figures, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas from Estonia, have also voiced support for such a deterrent, emphasizing its importance in the face of ongoing security challenges in Europe.

Häkkänen approached the topic with caution, highlighting that while discussions are a positive step, the establishment of a robust nuclear deterrent could take decades to achieve. He noted that France currently possesses 290 nuclear warheads, while the United States and Russia have around 5,000 each. Häkkänen underscored that as it stands, the nuclear deterrent offered by the United States remains the only realistic option for Europe in the immediate term, as the situation with Russia has not shown signs of resolution.

Meanwhile, Häkkänen did express some optimistic indicators regarding the situation in Ukraine, suggesting that positive developments may be emerging in the context of the ongoing conflict. However, he cautioned that Russia's current stance indicates they are not likely to agree to peace negotiations before the summer, thereby prolonging the instability in the region and influencing European security strategies.