Helsinki [Finland]June 12 (ANI): Ambitions to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Finland announced on Friday that it will send more military equipment to Ukraine as the military bloc considered the country’s application to join the alliance.
“Finland will not forget Ukraine and the Ukrainians. We will continue to help: We will send a new package of defense materials,” said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen, adding that the decision on what equipment to send was based on Ukraine’s needs and its military, The Hill reported.
The support for Ukraine comes after Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO, a move that has been heavily criticized by Russia. Their applications came after Russia threatened the countries against applying for membership and violated Finnish and Swedish airspace with fighter jets.
Speaking to President Joe Biden last month, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said: “We are ready to contribute to the security of the entire Alliance, and make the commitment to mutual security guarantees that comes with being a NATO ally.” “Now that we have taken this first decisive step, it is time for NATO allies to weigh in. We hope for strong support from all allies and for a rapid ratification of our membership,” he added.
According to The Hill, the Finnish Ministry of Defense said that the government voted to approve the sending of additional defense equipment to Ukraine. However, according to the ministry, what equipment Finland will provide, how it will be delivered and when it will be sent to Ukraine will not be announced.
The United States has put its full support behind Finland’s and Sweden’s membership applications, with a Senate panel unanimously approving a resolution calling on NATO to accept the countries this week.
NATO should “quickly” approve the two countries’ membership, Biden said in a statement amid Russia’s and China’s smart moves.
“While their applications for NATO membership are being considered, the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our common security, and to deter and confront aggression or threats of aggression,” The Hill reported. President.
Finland and Sweden began discussing the possibility of abandoning long-term neutrality and joining NATO in the middle of the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
Alliance leader Jens Stoltenberg said in March that NATO would like to welcome Finland and Sweden and can speed up its membership applications if they decide to join. (ANI)