During her trip to Kyiv, Sanna Marin said that the state would consider supplying Ukraine with old Hornet fighters. As it turned out later, this statement was not agreed with other officials.
Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland, announced the possible provision of Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine. However, the words of the official caused a heated discussion within the country, after which she said that “no one promised” the planes. This was reported on March 13 in the publication Yle.
Marine’s statement about the possible provision of fighter aircraft to the Armed Forces of Ukraine caused a wave of indignation among other Finnish officials. The prime minister commented on the discussion around her words.
“Finland has not pursued any policy in this regard, but I see that we have the opportunity for this discussion and participation in international joint work,” she explained.
According to Marin, no one promised the planes to Ukraine. However, she stressed that the Ukrainians need heavier weapons to resist the Russian invaders. And this, in her opinion, should be discussed now.
“It is clear that Ukraine needs even more heavy equipment. And it’s good that we managed to agree with partner countries on sending tanks, and yes, the next big question is fighter jets and air defense,” the official said.
The official also said that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country needs air defense.
The reaction of Finnish officials to the words of the Prime Minister indicates that the transfer of aircraft to Ukraine was not discussed or considered. Antti Hakkänen, head of the Defense Committee of the Finnish Parliament, called the issue “sensitive.”
“The issue of fighters is a very sensitive issue from the point of view of foreign policy in discussions between countries, so discussions should take place at least at home. Now, it seems that this issue has not been prepared, but was considered in Kiev,” Hakkyanen explained to reporters.
Mika Aaltola, director of the Finnish Foreign Policy Institute, said that a message should be written before such statements. According to him, these are the basic things necessary for the state’s political line to be clear.
“A phone call or text message can be effective before suggesting things like this,” Aaltola said.
Finnish President Sauli Niiniste also commented on the discussion around the prime minister’s statement about the supply of Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine. According to him, Finland responded to Ukrainian requests with a military aid package.
“Finland has focused on Ukraine’s urgent needs and requests, which it has responded with the 13th aid package for defense equipment,” Niiniste said.
The President also noted that accelerating the production of ammunition is a more important issue for the transfer of fighters.
“Now I would consider it necessary that the states and the industry on the ground find out the possibilities for increasing the efficiency of the production of artillery ammunition. There is a great need and commercial demand for them,” the official emphasized.
It is reported that the first Hornet will expire in 2025, and the last in 2031.
Recall that on February 28, Yle also wrote about the construction of a fence on the border of Finland with Russia. The Finnish government plans to build a 200 km long fence in the next few years.
Earlier, on February 23, the Ministry of Defense of Finland announced the provision of three Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine for mine clearance. The state will also provide training in the operation and maintenance of this equipment.
