Finland, in a significant departure from the more cautious military aid strategies of some Western nations, has confirmed that it has not placed any limitations on the use of its weapons by Ukraine, including for strikes against Russian military targets. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has been vocal about Finland’s stance, indicating a level of autonomy granted to Ukraine in employing the military aid received from Helsinki.
According to Häkkänen, while countries that have supplied Ukraine with long-range weapon systems may have imposed restrictions, Finland has not done so. “According to my information, Finland has not set such restrictions, and Ukraine has the right to use these weapons against military targets also on Russian soil,” Jukka Kopra, the chair of the parliamentary defence committee, reaffirmed in his statements to Yle, the Finnish public broadcaster.
The Finnish Defense Forces have engaged in ongoing discussions with their allies about the limitations on arms aid to Ukraine, acknowledging the influence larger nations have on the use of long-range systems they have provided. However, NATO’s stance has been clear: Ukraine possesses the right to self-defence, which includes the ability to strike Russian military targets beyond its borders.
Col. Andrus Merilo, the future commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, voiced concerns regarding the previous limitations, suggesting that Ukraine must be able to take the war to Russia with the weapons provided by Western countries.
Finland’s recent 22nd military aid package to Ukraine, which brought the cumulative value of such packages to approximately 1.8 billion euros, demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. Kopra has urged Germany to consider sending long-range missiles such as the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, highlighting the significance of long-range capabilities in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
As the conflict progresses, Häkkänen and Kopra emphasize the necessity for Ukraine to be equipped with more long-range missiles. Experts suggest that missiles such as the German-made Taurus could have a decisive impact on the course of the war by allowing Ukraine to target critical infrastructure like the Kerch bridge to Crimea.
Relevant articles:
– Häkkänen: Finnish weapons provided to Ukraine can be used to strike on Russian soil
– provided weapons to hit Russian territory, Euromaidan Press, Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:23:24 GMT
– Finland Endorses Ukraine’s Use of Its Weapons for Strikes on Russian Soil, BNN Breaking, Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:27:28 GMT
– For Ukraine’s defence industry goals against Russia, the sky’s the limit, Al Jazeera English, Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT