First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, and Minister of Defense of Finland, Antti Häkkinen, met to discuss Ukraine’s defense needs and key areas of cooperation.
This was reported by the MoD press service, Ukrinform saw.
“The First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine briefed the Finnish partners on the current situation on the battlefield and the priority needs of our Defense Forces. Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk reported that, despite international sanctions, the enemy continues to increase the production of long-range weapons of destruction, using electronic components of foreign origin. He emphasized that the Russian Federation is increasing production of ballistic missiles, which only modern air and missile defense systems can intercept. The First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine noted that strengthening air defense capabilities remains Ukraine’s highest-priority need,” the report says.
The Ukrainian side also briefed partners on the experience of using unmanned systems, including ground robots, on the battlefield. The Finnish and Ukrainian officials discussed potential opportunities for cooperation in developing and producing innovative weapons.
During a meeting with his Ukrainian counterparts, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkinen reaffirmed further support for Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor, as well as in achieving a just peace.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, Finland announced on Monday, March 10, it was sending Ukraine a EUR 16 mln humanitarian aid batch.
Source: Ukraine, Finland explore opportunities in defense innovations - MoD
