Finland not ready to offer security guarantee to Ukraine: PM

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Tuesday said that Finland is not ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine but preparing to join Ukraine's security arrangements instead.

The Premier made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson at Hanasaari in Espoo after an event organised by the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre Hanaholmen.

He also said that offering formal security guarantee and security arrangements are different things, reported national broadcaster Yle.

Earlier on Monday, on the first day of Kristersson´s two-day visit, Finland and Sweden agreed to further enhance their cooperation in a number of areas, said a government press release.

The Prime Ministers adopted a joint declaration in this regard at Kesäranta in Helsinki.

In their joint declaration, they reaffirmed their commitment to closer practical cooperation in several sectors: defence and security, cyber security and digital infrastructure, security of supply, icebreakers, police work and influencing EU policy.

Discussions at the meeting also addressed topical EU issues, support for Ukraine and transatlantic relations.

“Finland and Sweden, together with the other Nordic countries, provide substantial support to Ukraine,” said Orpo.

“We are committed to supporting Ukraine over the long-term, both in reconstruction and on its European path,” he added.