Finland announces 200 million euros to Ukraine and closer defense cooperation
Warsaw, Poland (AP) – Finland announced a new Ukrainian weapon package on Thursday, totaling about 200 million euros ($217 million) and promised more to work with Kiev’s defense.
Ukraine’s aid package involves shells and ammunition, “it is very necessary at the moment,” Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said in signing a memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov.
The Finnish Ministry of Defense said that other contents of the aid package have not been disclosed at this time.
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Häkkänen said Finland remains committed to supporting Ukraine and shared Kiev’s “view of the Russian threat based on our historical experience”.
The ministry said areas of close cooperation include information exchange, research and innovation, ammunition production and defense industrial projects in Finland and Ukraine.
The minister said the relationship was not a one-way street.
“The three-year war against Russia has made Ukrainian armed forces one of the most powerful armed forces in Europe. At the same time, the country has gained extensive experience in defending Russia. Therefore, it is clear that when formulating its own defense, we should listen carefully to Ukraine’s teachings and use their experiences,” Häkkänen said.
The latest decision will increase the total value of Finland’s material aid to Ukraine to 3.3 billion euros (nearly US$3.6 million).
