Finland approves 18th military aid package for Ukraine

25 August, 2023 XA-180 armored personnel carrier (APC) of the Armed Forces. December 2022. Photo credits: Ukrainian Marine Command

Finland will provide the Ukrainian Defense Forces with a new EUR 94 million aid package. The Finnish government announced this on Friday, August 25. The President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, has made a decision on the proposal of the government today.

This is the 18th package of Finnish military aid since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish military aid package, like the previous ones, is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. For operational reasons and to ensure that the assistance will reach its destination safely, further details on the content of the package, the way or the terms of delivery will not be disclosed.

BMP-2M of the Finnish ground forces during the parade, 2017.

Photo from the network

The Finnish government notes that the aid package takes into account both the needs of Ukraine and the resources of the Finnish army. The total value of all Finnish defense aid packages provided to Ukraine so far amounts to about EUR 1.3 billion. "The support of Finland and our allies to Ukraine remains unwavering.

The core issue in terms of the future security order in Europe and in Finland is to be able to curb Russia's aggression against Ukraine," says Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen. As previously reported, the Finnish Yle reported on August 24 that Finland was beginning to explore the possibility of producing Finnish armored vehicles in Ukraine. Consideration of the possibility of producing armored vehicles was initiated at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

It is noted that consideration of such a proposal could lead to the production of Patria APCs in Ukraine.

Patria 6x6 armored personnel carrier. Photo credits: Patria

In June, the Finnish Defense Forces ordered 91 Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers. In addition to the APCs, the purchase covers spare parts and tools, as well as training in the operation and maintenance of these armored vehicles.

The agreement also includes an option for the additional purchase of 70 armored personnel carriers.