Prime Minister Sanna Marin has been on an election tour in Central Finland on Saturday after returning from Ukraine at night.
Prime minister Sanna Marin (sd.) believes that the entire international community must supply Ukraine with even more and heavier weapons so that Ukraine can push the Russian troops out of its territory and win the war.
The sooner we are able to do this, the better, he tells in his written answer.
Marin commented on Friday during his visit to Ukraine that Finland should discuss sending the outgoing Hornet fighters to Ukraine. Commenting has been surprising at home.
According to Marin, the discussion on strengthening the European defense industry is taking place within the EU and the next European Council meeting is to discuss joint procurements to support Ukraine.
– We know that Ukraine will also need help in terms of air defense. The fighter jet discussion will be part of this broad question, Marin states.
He says that he also raised the issue at the Munich Security Conference and in connection with the previous European Council.
– I think Finland, as part of the community of partner countries, could have the ability to help Ukraine in strengthening its air defense. Regarding fighter jets, Finland will receive replacement equipment in the next few years, which is why there needs to be a discussion about the continued use of the equipment that is being retired.
No policies or decisions have been made on the matter.
– Finland must carefully evaluate possible solutions through our geopolitical location and our own defense needs. However, there is a reason to prepare for a broader discussion about Ukraine’s air defense in Finland as well, says Marin.
According to Marin, the war is about something bigger than Europe
At the election meeting in Jyväskylä, Marin stated that Ukraine needs everyone’s steadfast support. Marin sees Ukraine’s place in the West, as part of the European Union and the military alliance NATO.
– We must all work together to ensure that Ukraine wins the war. Ukrainians are fighting for their own country, independence and territorial integrity. They are fighting for European values, for peace, freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Marin listed.
According to Marin, it is about something bigger than Ukraine and Europe.
– It’s all about the rules-based international world order. We have rules of the game that countries have to follow. We do not live in a world where the stronger can use power, violence, force and invade another country’s territory.