Finland is discussing possibility of forming Leopard tanks division in Europe for Ukraine
Фото: Укрінформ
Finland is discussing the possibility of forming a powerful division of Leopard tanks in Europe for Ukraine.
This was stated by the President of Finland, Sauli Niiniste, at a joint briefing with the Head of the Ukrainian State, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.
"We have to keep in mind that the ongoing discussion about tanks is about a larger unit. Taking one tank here and another there is not enough. There must be a powerful unit in Europe. We (Finland — ed.) are discussing the possibility of creating such a unit..; we are considering options," Niiniste said, noting that his country would contribute to the creation of such a unit.
He noted that Finland is one of the few countries in Europe that conducts conscription into the ranks of the armed forces and has experienced instructors and infrastructure. According to the President, the country must remain vigilant and careful: "Among the countries that have Leopards — more than 10 in Europe — Finland has a unique position, because we are the only EU member country, but not a NATO member, that has the longest border in Europe with the russian federation after you (Ukraine — ed.)".
At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his conviction that the stability of Ukraine is a key prerequisite for the security of each of russia's neighbors and the whole of Europe, and therefore global security.
"Ukraine's stability is a key prerequisite for the security of each of russia's other neighbors and the whole of Europe, and therefore global security. It is in this perspective that our partners and we perceive the situation and act on this basis, in particular with our friends from Finland," Zelensky said.
The President thanked the leadership and the people of Finland for their "constant, principled" support, saying, in particular, that Finland has already provided 12 packages of defense aid and cooperates in the restoration of Ukrainian energy after the attacks of russian terrorists.
"When there is a Ukrainian victory, it will be a victory for every nation that values freedom and the guarantee of non-repetition of such invasive aggression," the Head of State emphasized.
Reference
On January 20, during the eighth meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the "Ramstein" format, the heads of defense departments of more than 50 countries did not reach an agreement on the supply of Leopard tanks.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that a decision could be made soon.
