Finland will send Ukraine its 34th package of military assistance, worth around €290 million, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The package comes as Ukraine faces sustained Russian attacks and prepares for another winter of war, when the demands on its military and air defenses are expected to grow further. Kyiv continues to rely on its European partners to replenish equipment and strengthen its ability to withstand Russia’s prolonged campaign.
Finland responds to Ukraine’s urgent needs
Finnish President Alexander Stubb approved the package on 15 September following a proposal from the government. It is the second-largest defense package Finland has provided to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
The Finnish Ministry of Defense said the package contains military equipment that Ukraine has urgently requested.
Finland is withholding details about the contents, delivery method and schedule for operational security reasons and to ensure the equipment reaches Ukraine safely.
The latest package brings the total value of Finnish defense equipment delivered to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion to approximately €3.6 billion.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said Finland has based its military assistance throughout the war on Ukraine’s needs, combining equipment from Finnish military stocks with purchases from the country’s defense industry.
Ukraine faces another difficult winter
The timing of the new package is particularly important as Ukraine approaches its fifth winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Russia has repeatedly used the colder months to intensify attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and other critical infrastructure, seeking to put additional pressure on the Ukrainian population while the country continues fighting at the front.
Ukrainian officials and European partners have warned that Russia is preparing to maintain or intensify its attacks during the coming winter. Ukraine therefore needs to enter the season with sufficient military equipment to defend its cities and infrastructure while continuing operations against Russian forces.
The winter also creates additional demands on Ukraine’s civilian and military systems. Damage to energy infrastructure can affect heating, electricity and water supplies, while continued Russian attacks require Ukraine to devote resources to protecting infrastructure and responding to strikes.
Finland also supports its own defense industry
Some of the equipment in the new package will be procured from Finnish defense companies rather than taken from existing military stocks.
Häkkänen said this allows Finland to support Ukraine while also strengthening the capacity of its domestic defense industry.
Finland said both Ukraine’s needs and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces were taken into account when approving the package.
The new delivery underscores Finland’s continued commitment to helping Ukraine sustain its defense as Russia’s war enters another winter.
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