"Finland Joins NATO, Solidifies Defense Pact with US"

Finland, NATO's newest member and neighbor to Russia, will sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the United States, allowing the US to send troops to Finland and store weapons and military equipment there. The deal, which must be approved by Finnish lawmakers, signifies the US commitment to Finland's defense and security. Finland joined NATO in April due to Russia's assault on Ukraine. Under the agreement, the US will have access to 15 military areas and facilities across Finland, but there are no plans for permanent US military bases. Sweden and Denmark have also signed similar deals with the US.