During an official visit to Helsinki, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation with his Finnish counterpart, Antti Häkkänen. The document formalizes key areas of bilateral interaction and outlines joint steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and European security.
Key provisions of the Memorandum:
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Deepening the strategic dialogue between defense institutions
- Exchange of information at strategic, operational, and tactical levels
- Strengthening defense capabilities and operational interoperability
- Development of cooperation in defense technologies, research, and innovation
- Expansion of ammunition production and defense-industrial projects in both Ukraine and Finland
"Finland is our reliable partner, making a significant contribution to strengthening the security not only of Ukraine but of all of Europe. I am grateful to the Finnish government and people, as well as to my colleague Antti Häkkänen, for their strategic vision and support," Umerov emphasized.
The Memorandum is based on the Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support Agreement, signed in Kyiv on April 3, 2024, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Additionally, during the visit, Finland announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine, worth €200 million. The Finnish government also launched a €660 million support program, under which military equipment for Ukraine will be procured directly from Finland’s defense industry.
