Finland announces new air defense and energy aid for Ukraine ahead of winter
Finland will provide Ukraine with new assistance for air defense and energy as the country prepares for another winter under Russian attacks, Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced during a visit to Kyiv.
Speaking after the Ukraine-NB8 summit of Nordic and Baltic countries, Stubb said Finland’s next aid package would address some of Ukraine’s most pressing air defense needs.
Finland is also preparing energy assistance, including equipment that could help support Ukraine’s electricity system.
“Winter is approaching, and as you know, in Finland we also know a thing or two about winter,” Stubb said. “So there will be good news on the energy side, especially when it comes to electricity - including engines and turbines that could be useful.”
Representatives of seven Finnish defense companies also traveled to Kyiv with Stubb.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian companies had signed agreements on developing and producing drones in Finland. The cooperation includes expanding unmanned maritime systems and establishing a facility to produce unmanned ground vehicles.
Stubb also said public support for Ukraine in Finland has consistently remained above 80%.
“We have always thought that when a big aggressor attacks a smaller player, the most important thing is the survival of the smaller player,” he said, adding that while Ukraine is now in a much stronger political, military and financial position, continued support remains necessary.