Finland has decided to hand over three Leopard 2 mine clearing tanks to Ukraine, including training related to their use and maintenance.

As the Ministry of Defence of Finland reports, Finland will deliver another package of defence materiel to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 23 February 2023 on the proposal of the Government. This will be the 13th package of defence materiel to Ukraine. 

"Friday 24 February marks the one-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression, and Ukraine continues to need support in its defence. We will send more defence materiel and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners," says Minister of Defence Mikko Savola. 

The combined value of all defence materiel packages submitted so far by Finland is now about 750 million euros.

As reported, on 20 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto, spoke about the preparation of a new military aid package for Ukraine and hinted that this week, Finland can make certain decisions regarding its participation in the "tank coalition".

Finland has about 200 German-made battle tanks at its disposal. When discussions about the format of Finland's participation in the tank coalition were still ongoing, the president warned that the country could not send a significant number of machines, since it itself has a long land border with Russia.