Finland prepares 18th aid package for Ukraine
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Finland is preparing to provide Ukraine with a new military aid package consisting of defensive equipment and ammunition, as reported by the Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a press conference in Kyiv.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized Finland's firm condemnation of Russia's unlawful aggressive war against Ukraine from the very beginning. He reassured that Finland continues to steadfastly support Ukraine, its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
To date, Finland's overall assistance to Ukraine has exceeded 1.7 billion euros. The country has already provided Ukraine with 17 packages of defense equipment worth a total of 1.2 billion euros.
Orpo announced that the government is preparing an 18th aid package for Ukraine, which will include defensive equipment and ammunition.
"We will make a decision and announce it later this week," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Finland supports Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and NATO, saying, "The Ukrainian people are fighting for our common values and for freedom. Ukraine's place is in the West - in the European Union and NATO."
Additionally, Finland is working on a plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine in collaboration with both the public and private sectors. "Here, we are leveraging our expertise, particularly in green transition, education, digitalization, and the energy sector," the Prime Minister said.
Finland's support for Ukraine
Finland has been providing comprehensive support to Ukraine since the onset of full-scale Russian aggression.
In early July, Finland announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, which, among other things,includes anti-aircraft weaponry.
Furthermore, the Finnish government has initiated the development of a plan for Ukraine's recovery.
