Finland can only hand over its Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine once it replaces them to protect the country from Russia.

"We are currently replacing our fighter jets with F-35s. These are huge costs for a small country. But we are doing this because we believe we need a strong defence. That is why we cannot give away the Hornet until we receive new planes. Unfortunately, by that time, the Hornet will be practically inoperable," Sauli Niinistö, Finnish President, stated at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Helsinki on May 3.

He emphasised that Finland's geographic location significantly differs from most NATO and EU countries and has a long border with Russia.

"If we talk about discussions regarding aircraft for Ukraine, they are mainly about F-16 fighter jets. We don't have them. We have Hornet F-18 fighter jets, which are already quite old. You should keep in mind that in Europe, not many countries have such jets and there are not many of them themselves. The question is whether creating many different service structures is expedient," said Niinistö.

In March, Ukraine approached Finland and offered to discuss a possible transfer of Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine (Ukr).

It was requested after then-Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin discussed with Zelenskyy the possibility of transferring Hornet fighter jets to the country during her visit to Kyiv.

At the time, Marin stated that her country and other allies could consider sending fighter jets to Ukraine (Ukr).

Her statement came as a surprise to observers and participants in foreign and security policy, and competing parties spoke of the "recklessness" of such announcements. Marin was criticised for making such statements before consulting within the country.