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Ukraine, Finland sign security cooperation agreement

Ukraine and Finland signed a security cooperation agreement in Kyiv, with Finland pledging a 188 million euro aid package, including air defense systems and ammunition.

byYuri Zoria

03/04/2024

3 minute read

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) of Ukraine and Alexander Stubb (L) of Finland after signing the security agreement. Kyiv, 3 April 2024. Screenshot: Telegram/Zelenskiy Official

Ukraine, Finland sign security cooperation agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed a Security Cooperation Agreement in Kyiv on 3 April. Finland also pledged its 23rd aid package to Ukraine, totaling €188 million, which includes air defense systems and ammunition.

According to the Ukrainian president, this agreement demonstrates Finland’s continued readiness to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy’s official Telegram channel reports that Finland will provide long-term military and financial assistance, while also deepening cooperation with Ukraine in the political, financial, humanitarian spheres, and in the area of reforms. Additionally, Finland will help Ukraine rebuild its energy sector, assess environmental damages, strengthen border protection and critical infrastructure security, and treat injured Ukrainian soldiers.

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine (in the background) and Alexander Stubb of Finland (in the foreground) signing the security agreement. Kyiv, 3 April 2024. Screenshot: Telegram/Zelenskyy Official

Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne says the security agreement solidifies cooperation for a decade in key Ukrainian sectors, including clauses on sanctions, compensation, and Russia’s accountability. Finland’s commitment to Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership is also emphasized.

Finland allocates €188 million to Ukraine

Finland’s new, 23rd aid package of €188 million to Ukraine, as reported by Suspilne, underscores its ongoing support since the invasion, nearing €2 billion, as per the Ukrainian President’s Office.

“I am grateful for the assurances of continued military and financial support for our state from Finland. As of now, we have received €400 million in military aid for 2024. And this amount will increase substantially by the end of this year thanks to at least two more aid packages,” said Zelenskyy.

Finland is also developing a four-year support plan for Ukraine, earmarking €290 million for development and reconstruction efforts.

Ukraine signed security agreements with eight nations

In March 2023, Zelenskyy expressed that if Ukraine could not join NATO during the conflict, it sought strategic security assurances. On July 11-12, the G7 leaders met in Vilnius, where they endorsed the “Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine,” committing each nation to work with Ukraine on concrete, long-term security measures.

G7 nations establish Ukraine’s security guarantee framework at Vilnius NATO summit

The “Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine” was initially signed by the founding nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Following them, the Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – joined. The Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia – then expressed their support. Later, the Balkans – Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Kosovo – joined, followed by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Cyprus.

The new agreement with Finland aligns with the Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine, which has garnered support from 32 nations. Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrii Yermak pointed out that Ukraine has already signed eight bilateral security pacts with key allies, including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, and Finland.

Ukraine’s series of security agreements began with the United Kingdom on January 12. President Zelenskyy followed up on 16 February by signing two more security pacts with Germany and France. On 24 February, bilateral security agreements were then concluded with Italy and Canada. The list of allies committed to Ukraine’s security also includes Denmark, the Netherlands, and now Finland.

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