Kelly, Rogers, Smith Lead Bipartisan Delegation to Finland and the Baltic States
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Adam Smith (D-WA), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statements after returning from a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Joining them on the delegation were U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and Representatives Dale Strong (R-AL) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY).
The congressional delegation’s discussions focused on efforts to bolster NATO’s defense and deterrent posture, including strengthening forward defenses and the U.S. presence in the Baltics and across the eastern flank. The delegation commended all four allies for their strong commitment to boosting their own defense capabilities and exceeding the 2% of GDP defense spending target. The delegation also discussed Russia’s hybrid attacks across Europe, ongoing war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to continue to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression.
“In the face of continued Russian aggression, the security of the Baltics is critical to the security of the entire region,” said Kelly. “In each country, we saw firsthand the commitment of our allies to the NATO alliance, to Ukraine, and to not only meet but exceed their defense responsibilities. Putin is a bully who only understands strength, which means that strengthening NATO’s eastern flank is essential to deterring further Russian aggression. As we continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, we must also ensure that our Baltic allies remain well-equipped and ready to meet any challenge. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to put what we learned and discussed into action to support our allies and our own national security.”
“As NATO contends with the most dangerous security environment in decades, it was critical for our delegation to meet with allies like Finland and the Baltic states that both understand acutely the threat posed by the Putin regime and have demonstrated their enduring commitment to bolster their own defenses as well as help Ukraine win. To deter future Russian aggression, the U.S. and NATO must bolster its presence across the eastern flank, including in the Baltics. I will also urge our NATO allies to increase the minimum defense spending target to 3% of GDP – a milestone each Baltic state already meets. Anything less is simply insufficient to build the capabilities needed for a strong and credible deterrent. Helping Ukraine win is also critical to demonstrate to Putin and America’s other adversaries that there is nothing to gain from unprovoked aggression. Toward that end, I strongly urge the Biden administration to remove the remaining restrictions on the use of U.S.-provided weapons to strike military targets in Russia and submit its months-long delayed strategy for U.S. support to Ukraine to show they have a plan for victory,” said Rogers.
“The United States must continue to stand with Ukraine to ensure they remain a sovereign, democratic country capable of defending themselves. Further, we remain committed to working with NATO and our Baltic allies to strengthen the security posture in the region to deter further Russian aggression. The timing of this delegation was critical to have candid exchanges with our NATO allies and learn what more we can and should do together with our partners and allies in the months ahead to enhance security and stability in the region,” said Smith.
In each country, the delegation met with senior U.S. State Department and Department of Defense officials. In Finland, the delegation met with President Alexander Stubb, Permanent Secretary Esa Pulkkinen from the Ministry of Defense, Director General Janne Kuusela from the Ministry of Defense, and received briefings from Finland’s Coastal Brigade and Special Forces. In Lithuania, the delegation met with Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, Parliamentary Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Members of the Parliament’s Defense and Foreign Affairs Committees, and U.S. troops providing a rotational presence at the Pabradė Training Area. In Latvia, the delegation met with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, Defense State Secretary Aivars Puriņš, and the Commander of Latvian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš. Finally, in Estonia the delegation met with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov, Commander of Estonian Defense Forces Major General Andrus Merilo, and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
