The information was confirmed on Wednesday by Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola. will work with allies to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine shortly after the German government gives its approval, although it has not specified what Finland’s contribution will consist of.
“This is good news, expect news. This is a major turnaround for Germany, allowing Ukraine to be supported with heavier defense equipment,” said Savola, referring to Germany’s decision to allow third countries to send this type of tank to Kiev.
The Finnish minister stressed that his government will study with the armed forces and European partners how to cooperate, without specifying whether Finland will send tanks or only other supplies such as training or ammunition.
In any case, Savola admitted that Finland’s contribution – the only non-NATO country with Leopard 2 tanks – should be “neither large nor significant” in order not to weaken its own defense capability against neighboring Russia.
For his part, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said from Riga that his country is “ready to deliver to Ukraine the weapons it needs for immediate use”.
The announcement was made by Haavisto, who appeared before the press in the Latvian capital before confirming the announcement of Germany’s supply of tanks. Finland will also participate in training and in the use and maintenance of the equipment.
Following the German decision, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace welcomed the delivery of tanks to Ukraine and stated that the international community is increasingly determined to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
“I am glad that Germany is sending tanks to Ukraine together with Britain, France and Poland. It is time for Russia to recognize that the international community is increasingly determined to help Ukraine resist its barbaric and illegal invasion, Wallace said on Twitter.
Germany happily joins Britain, France and Poland in sending tanks to Ukraine. It is time for Russia to recognize that the international community is increasingly determined to help Ukraine resist its barbaric and illegal invasion. 🇬🇧 🇫🇷🇩🇪 🇺🇸🇵🇱🇺🇦
— Most Reverend Ben Wallace (@BWallaceMP) January 25, 2023
(With information from Reuters and EFE)
Source: La Neta Neta
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
