Finland preparing new defense package for Ukraine
Ukraine's Ambassador to Finland, Olha Dibrova, has announced that Finland is preparing its 23rd defense assistance package for Ukraine.
Speaking to Ukrinform, Dibrova stressed that Finland has proven to be one of Ukraine's most reliable partners since the early days of the full-scale invasion, Rubryka reports.
She noted that Finland's new government developed a program for 2023-2027 last year, clearly designating Ukraine as the primary recipient of Finland's comprehensive assistance.
"As of March 2024, preparations are underway for the 23rd defense assistance package. At the end of last year, the Finnish government approved decisions for long-term investments in ammunition production, primarily considering Ukraine's significant needs," Dibrova said.
According to the ambassador, Finland's new president, Alexander Stubb, explicitly stated in his inaugural address that Ukraine fights for everyone who believes in liberal democracy and that partners should stand alongside Ukraine and continue supporting it as much as needed.
"The new president's team has just begun its work this week. However, I can already assure you that we are closely coordinating with the Finnish side on the future steps, and the outlines of our joint intensive work will be clearer in the near future," the ambassador forecasted.
Dibrova highlighted that the level of support for Ukraine in Finland is one of the highest in Europe, and this indicator has remained unchanged.
"I believe it will remain so in the future because Finland understands that Ukraine must prevail," Dibrova said.
In early February, Finland's Ministry of Defense announced that Finland was sending Ukraine its 22nd shipment of military aid worth approximately €190 million.
It was also reported that Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that Ukraine could use the weapons provided by Finland to strike Russian territory as Finland had not placed any restrictions on their use.
Earlier reports also indicated that Finland is developing a plan for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Finland also plans to build a new factory for artillery shell production.
