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Finland has announced it will supply Ukraine with defence equipment using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
The country will supply Ukraine with heavy ammunition worth €90 million, procured from Finnish suppliers and funded with proceeds from frozen Russian assets which have been channelled through the European Peace Facility.
The agreement is endorsed through the European Commission.
“We were able to negotiate additional funding for Finland’s support for Ukraine,” Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.
“The funds come from frozen Russian assets. The products are purchased from Finnish industry to boost employment at home and sent to Ukraine to help its defence. I am very pleased with the outcome.
“Finland’s support for Ukraine is unwavering and strong even in other respects.
“This new package alongside our national €660 million support program will forge closer links between the Finnish industry and Finland’s support for Ukraine.
“This is a great example of the Finnish defence industry’s abilities and it shows that our investments into ammunition production capacity are paying off.”
Earlier this month, the Finnish Ministry of Defence began circulating a draft government proposal on raising the maximum age of reservists in Finland to 65 years.
The new upper age limit would apply to all persons liable for military service born in 1966 or later. The change could potentially increase reservist growth to reach 1 million in 2031.
“Finland’s defence capability is based on general conscription, a trained reserve and a strong will to defend the country. By raising the maximum age of reservists we are giving more people the possibility to participate in national defence. This will strengthen Finland’s defence. A stronger reserve will also bolster Finland’s security,” Minister Häkkänen said.
After the reform, refresher training for 50–65 year-olds would be organised for those who have been assigned wartime tasks; however, no upper age limit would be prescribed for participating in voluntary national defence.
The Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish Border Guard have more and more tasks that require some special expertise. Reservists are needed for a variety of tasks, ranging from headquarters, support and training to command and control and healthcare and other tasks requiring special expertise.
