Finland preparing new military aid package for Ukraine

HELSINKI. May 4 (Interfax) - The outgoing Finnish government, which must leave office following parliamentary elections held in April, is preparing a new package of military aid for Ukraine.

"Even if the talks about forming a new government drag on until mid-June, this won't undo another package of Finnish assistance for Ukraine," Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen told the news website Yle.

Kaikkonen noted that the new aid package had been discussed during Wednesday's visit by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to Finland. Finland is ready to offer Ukraine support, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said during his meeting with Zelensky, recalling that his country has sent 15 aid packages to Kiev, and the 16th is on its way.

Kaikkonen did not comment on the content of the next aid package but described it as 'robust.' "For instance, I can tell you that air defense is something Ukraine pays close attention to," he said.

At the same time, assistance to Ukraine should not jeopardize Finland's own defense capabilities, he said. For example, Kaikkonen said Finland had sent armored mine-clearing vehicles to Ukraine, not Leopard 2 battle tanks that Kiev said it wanted.