Finland calls on EU to increase defense investments to deter Russia

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Maria Valtonen, called on European countries to invest more in defense to contain the threat from Russia.

She refrained from commenting on Germany's decision not to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory. Still, she reminded international law within the framework of self-defense does not prohibit striking military targets outside its borders.

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Finland will suspend the movement of pleasure boats through the Saimaa Canal, which connects Finnish Lake Saimaa with Vyborg Bay. In addition, Finland is closing two sea crossing points near the border with Russia, Haapasaari, and Santio, and is continuing to close all land checkpoints.

The Government of Finland has provided 2 million euros to the UN World Food Program (WFP). The funds will be used to provide financial assistance to Ukrainian pensioners who live in the territories of active or possible hostilities.

The Ministry of Health, Lviv National Medical University named after Danylo Halytsky, and the Foundation of Children's Hospital and Research Institute "Nadiia" (based in Finland) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. This cooperation aims to establish a Rehabilitation Center at the university to provide physical and psychological rehabilitation for Ukrainian children who have suffered losses, injuries, and trauma as a result of the full-scale war.