Finland promised material assistance to Ukraine on Sunday, but also joined the EU’s efforts to establish it.
Finland announced that it would send 2,000 bulletproof vests, 2,000 composite helmets, 100 pairs and equipment to two first aid stations to Ukraine.
"Hopefully we’ll get help out tomorrow [Monday]," Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (Cen) said.
The announcement followed the President of Finland Sauli NiinistöThe decision to channel more aid to Ukraine following a government recommendation.
In the coming days, Finland will also send humanitarian aid to Ukraine via the EU, including tents and medical protective equipment.
The government also officially granted Estonia permission to send artillery and ammunition to Ukraine on Sunday. The Baltics had previously bought artillery from Finland, which in turn had bought it from Germany.
Finland supports the EU’s weapons proposal
In the meantime, the EU is proposing funding to help Ukraine finance arms. This is the first time that EU money has been directed at deadly weapons, Kaikkonen said that Finland supports the proposal.
"In terms of arms assistance, Finland joins the joint EU package, which also includes arms assistance and other military elements." Kaikkonen said.
Reuters quoted EU foreign policy chief on Sunday Josep Borrell as they say, "They aim to fund the supply of deadly material to the heroic Ukrainian army, which is fighting fiercely against Russian attackers, and to supply urgently needed non-lethal supplies such as fuel."
Finland has previously refused to export weapons to war zones.
"The problem here is that we have a war in the middle of Europe. Finland and the EU have strongly condemned Russia’s actions. This has led to a reassessment [of our previous policy].
During February, Finland granted approximately EUR 14 million in assistance to Ukraine.
Source: The Nordic Page