Finland changes its strategy to support Ukraine: a new aid package is announced
27 February 2025 16:04
Finland’s Ministry of Defense has announced the launch of a new program to support Ukraine, which includes the ordering of weapons for domestic defense companies worth 660 million euros. This is stated on the website of the relevant ministry, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The new support program has been prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense since the fall of 2024. Preparations included close contacts with industry representatives, international partners, and authorized persons from Ukraine.
It is known that the procurement will be carried out by the Logistics Department of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The list of materials and equipment required is based on Ukraine’s critical needs, the suitability of the products for delivery, and the production and supply capabilities of the companies. The products will be delivered to Ukraine as part of future material assistance packages.
“Until now, we have supported Ukraine mainly through the transfer of shares, but in the future we will order a significant share of our products from domestic companies. With these decisions, we will strengthen Ukraine’s chances for fair peaceful conditions, and Finnish security business and reliability of supplies for a long time,” said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.
Earlier, on December 5, 2024, Finland decided to provide Ukraine with additional defense equipment. Together with this latest package, the total value of all Finnish military assistance packages to Ukraine is about 2.5 billion euros. For operational reasons and to ensure the safe delivery of the aid, no further details on the content, methods and timing of the aid packages were disclosed.
It should be noted that Finland has previously assisted Ukraine by donating weapons from its stockpile, but now the focus will be on new products for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The country is a member of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a group of more than 50 countries that, under the leadership of the United States, is considering military assistance to Ukraine.
