On 24 September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb discussed joint drone production during their meeting in New York.
Finland has long been a partner of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Helsinki has provided Kyiv with aid worth millions of dollars.
Recently, Finland’s Defense Ministry announced the transfer of its 25th military aid package to Ukraine, worth nearly €118 million, as per Militarnyi.
The country is also a member of the tank coalition for Ukraine, led by Poland, Germany, and Italy, and in the IT coalition headed by Estonia and Luxembourg. Additionally, Finland has joined the Czech initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
During the latest meeting, the presidents of Ukraine and Finland discussed the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s defense needs and agreed to continue defense cooperation.
According to the Ukrainian president’s press service, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, particularly through the supply of portable surface-to-air missile systems (MANPADS). The two leaders also discussed further Ukrainian-Finnish defense cooperation.
They specifically focused on joint drone production and exchanging experience in this area.
“The leaders also discussed the international efforts needed to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine and the role of the Global South in this process,” the Office of the Ukrainian President reported.
Furthermore, during the conversation, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine receiving permission and weapons from its partners to strike deep into Russian territory.
Related:
- Ukraine receives 2S1 artillery systems from Finland
- Le Monde: Finnish president sees potential for Ukraine-Russia negotiations, outlines key elements for success
- Ukraine has full right to attack Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Finnish President Stubb says
- Fourth Finnish volunteer fighter killed in action in Ukraine
- Finland approves new €159 million military aid package for Ukraine
- Finnish President: Ukraine has become stronger and is starting road to peace from position of strength