Finland won't transfer fighter jets to Ukraine, as it needs them itself - President Niinisto

HELSINKI. May 3 (Interfax) - Finland cannot transfer its fighter aircraft to Ukraine, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said.

"We have Hornet fighters, which are quite old" and should be replaced by new planes, Niinisto said, when asked whether Finland might supply Ukraine with fighter aircraft at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who arrived in Finland on an unannounced visit on Wednesday.

"Because we need strong protection," Niinisto said.

Finland must first receive the F-35 fighters it has already ordered before it can decommission its current aircraft fleet, Niinisto said. "We could not give up the Hornets before we get the new ones, and unfortunately the Hornets at that time practically finished," he said.

Finland stands ready to continue providing support to Ukraine, he said. It has already sent 15 aid packages to Ukraine and is about to send its 16th one.