Finland Prepares 20th Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Finland hands over a new military aid package to Ukraine, estimated at EUR100 million. The Ministry of Defense of Finland reported on this. The new aid package from Finland is the 20th since the beginning of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war.
"What is at stake in Ukraine's defense struggle is the security environment outlook on Europe and Finland in the current decade. Together with our allies, we remain unwavering in our commitment to support Ukrainians," says Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen. Further details on the content of the package, the way it is delivered, or the schedule will not be given for operational reasons, and to ensure that the assistance will reach its destination safely.
XA-180 armored personnel carrier (APC) of the Armed Forces.December 2022. Photo credits: Ukrainian Marine Command
The Finnish Defense Ministry added that both Ukraine's needs and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces have been taken into account when deciding on additional assistance. On October 29, Militarnyi reported that Finland is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine aimed at protecting critical infrastructure in the fall and winter.
At the same time, it was reported that Finland's assistance targets strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian rescuers. In addition, Ukraine will organize training for Finnish rescuers who are impressed by the work of their Ukrainian colleagues during the full-scale invasion and wish to adopt the practical experience gained. On September 28, Militarnyi reported that the Finnish Ministry of Defense had handed over 130 K 54 130mm guns to the Ukrainian military.
130 K 54 130mm guns (?-46) of the military of Ukraine.Frame from the Ukraine Weapons Tracker video
The number of transferred guns is not disclosed, but it is known that Finland acquired 144 M-46 guns from the Soviet Union in 1965-66 and 166 from the former East Germany in 1993.
Guns are designed to destroy ground fortifications, combat enemy artillery, armored vehicles, and mortars, and suppress enemy manpower.