Finland announces new military aid package to Ukraine.

On April 3, 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced a new military support package worth €188 million, marking the 23rd shipment of defense equipment since the start of the conflict. However, the Finnish government has decided, as usual, to remain discreet on the details of this new aid.
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Finnish Ministry of Defense announced a new military support package worth €188 million to Ukraine (Picture source: Finland MoD)

Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stressed the crucial importance of the outcome of Russia's war of aggression, not only for Ukraine but also for the security of Finland and the entire country. Europe. He said Finland, in coordination with its allies and partners, would continue to support Ukraine in these historically serious times. The estimated cost of replacing the capabilities provided in this latest package is around €188 million, bringing the total value of defense equipment delivered to Ukraine to almost €2 billion. However, Finland remains deliberately tight-lipped about the specific details of the equipment sent, citing operational reasons and the need to ensure the assistance safely reaches its destination.

As part of its previous support for Ukraine, Finland has provided substantial assistance, including 1,500 anti-tank weapons, 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 rounds of ammunition, and most recently, the announcement of the delivery of three Leopard 2R mine clearance tanks, adding to the three previously sent. This contribution also includes artillery, SISU XA-180 armored personnel carriers, as well as air defense systems.

Additionally in March 2024, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed Finland's interest in engaging in a major artillery ammunition procurement initiative led by the Czech Republic. In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Orpo suggested that Finland was seriously considering joining the billion-euro purchase deal for 800,000 artillery shells. Orpo stressed Finland's willingness to quickly decide on its participation in this multinational effort.

This renewed commitment by Finland not only reflects its strong stance in favor of Ukrainian sovereignty but also reinforces the growing international support for Ukraine, thus reaffirming its recent membership in NATO