Finland to send 3 Leopard tanks to Ukraine: Defense Ministry

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Finland on Thursday announced another defense support package for Ukraine that also includes Leopard 2 battle tanks.

The Finnish Defense Ministry in a statement said the 13th package of defense material to Kyiv is worth €160 million ($169.5 million).

"As part of international cooperation on Leopard armoured vehicles, Finland will hand over three Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, including training related to their use and maintenance," the press release said.

The total value of Finland's defense packages is now €750 million, it added.

Defense Minister Mikko Savola said Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s war, and Ukraine needs continuous defense support. "We will send more defense material and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners," he said.

Last month, Germany decided to supply Leopard battle tanks to the war-torn country, and also allowed allies to send the armored vehicles from their own stocks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now asked the West for fighter jets.