Finland on Friday announced 400 million euros in military aid to Ukraine, its largest contribution yet, which includes artillery and ammunition but no Leopard heavy tanks.
“Ukraine needs continued support to defend its territory,” Defense Minister Mikko Savola said in a statement.
The ministry did not provide any further details on the specific content of the military aid to Ukraine. But special adviser Miikka Pynnonen told AFP that the aid did not include a German-made Leopard heavy tank.
This is Finland’s 12th military assistance program to Ukraine. The previous 11 represent a total value of 190 million euros.
The ministry also clarified that Finland will sign a memorandum of understanding with Sweden to support Ukraine, ensuring the aid does not “endanger the national defenses of either country”.
“Finland is providing defense equipment to Ukraine, and Sweden stands ready to assist Finland if necessary,” the document said.
On Thursday, Sweden promised to send Ukraine its Archer artillery system, long-range self-propelled guns that Kyiv has been demanding for months, as well as light armor and anti-tank missiles.
For its part, Germany is facing increasing pressure from its European allies to have Berlin authorize the export of Leopard tanks as part of several European armies, including Finland.
“We hope that this decision (to supply leopards) will be taken and Finland is quite ready to play its part in this support,” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Tuesday.