Finland signs defence pact with Ukraine, boosting bilateral military collaboration

On March 13, Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen and Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov met for a bilateral discussion and signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation between their respective countries.

The aim of the memorandum is to deepen the defence collaboration between Finland and Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via Finnish media.

Areas of cooperation will include defence materiel issues, information exchange, research and innovation activities, ammunition production, and defence industry projects in both Finland and Ukraine.

Finland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine’s defence efforts, contributing extensively in relation to the size of its economy. The memorandum is seen as a step toward furthering this partnership, which both countries believe will strengthen their security in light of shared concerns over the Russian threat.

The ministers emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of this relationship, acknowledging the valuable lessons Ukraine's military has gained over the past three years of conflict with Russia.

In addition to the memorandum, Finland announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately €200 million. This brings Finland’s total material aid to Ukraine to €3.3 billion. Pending approval by the Finnish Cabinet and the President, the package includes crucial artillery ammunition, addressing Ukraine’s ongoing need for military supplies.

The aid is part of Finland’s broader support strategy, which also includes an industrial programme to bolster domestic defence capabilities while assisting Ukraine.

By Aghakazim Guliyev