Finland to send arms to Ukraine

Finland on Monday decided to send arms and military equipment to Ukraine, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release.

The President approved the government proposal that Finland will deliver 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 cartridges for the attack rifles, 1,500 single-shot anti-tank weapons and 70,000 combat ration packages to Ukraine as material aid.

Following Russia's launch of a military attack, Ukraine has requested material assistance from the EU and NATO Member States.

Several EU Member States have announced that they will deliver weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as material aid.

The situation in Ukraine is extremely difficult because of Russia's military attack and there is an immediate need for defence materiel.

The joint meeting of the President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on 24 February and 27 February 2022 discussed the situation in Ukraine and possible material assistance to the country.

On 27 February, as part of international aid, the President decided that bulletproof vests, composite helmets and emergency medical service (EMS) units be delivered to Ukraine. The Government also decided to authorise the re-transfer of artillery from Estonia to Ukraine.

In addition, the EU Foreign Ministers decided on 27 February that the EU will support Ukraine through the European Peace Facility.