U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended Finland's decision to boost its military and defense spending to enhance European security and support peace and stability in Ukraine. The remarks came during Rubio's meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on Friday evening as part of her official visit to Washington.

In an official press statement, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said:
"Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Finland's contributions to European security and its decision to increase defense spending."

Bruce added that Rubio reaffirmed President Donald Trump's commitment to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, welcoming Finland's support for Washington's efforts toward this goal.

The Finnish government announced earlier this month plans to raise its defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029, aiming to play an active role in strengthening European security.

This follows President Trump's previous statements urging Europe to assume greater security responsibilities, including his call for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.