Expert warns Trump envoy's plan could weaken Finland's defense

Negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia are set to begin next week in Abu Dhabi, with US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and special envoy Jared Kushner publishing five goals for the peace talks. Kushner's objectives include permanent security negotiations, reliable crisis communication, better military transparency, reciprocal de-escalation measures, and sustainable long-term security for Europe. Foreign policy expert Henri Vanhanen warns these goals resemble Russian proposals from December 2021, which demanded NATO troop withdrawals to 1997 positions, potentially affecting Finland, Poland, and the Baltics. Vanhanen says such restrictions could critically weaken Finland's defense before any shots are fired, as its plans rely on rapid allied reinforcements. He also questions how agreements would be monitored, noting Russia's history of breaking rules.