RMF241 hour agoDefense1 min read

Ukraine urgently needs this ammunition. An ally promised help

President Zelensky talked with the President of Finland about ammunition for the F-16, while information emerged about plans to import Russian diesel to the US.

Quick Look

President Zelensky confirmed the receipt of Finnish military support, including ammunition for the F-16.
At the same time, there were reports of Donald Trump's planned import of Russian diesel oil and the suspension of fuel sanctions until 2027.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Since the beginning of the invasion, Finland has provided military aid worth EUR 3.6 billion to Ukraine. Russia is subject to international sanctions for its aggression against Ukraine.

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"I talked to the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb. I am especially grateful for the support package for protecting our skies. In the coming days, we will receive ammunition for the F-16. This is something that currently makes it possible to shoot down Shahed jet drones," Zelensky wrote on the Telegram messenger.

The Ukrainian president provided his Finnish counterpart with information about further Russian strikes. The conversation also concerned Russia's revenues from the sale of petroleum products, which - as Kiev points out - may be used to finance the war against Ukraine.

"We are preparing meetings and coordinating steps that may be useful in the current circumstances. It is important that we continue to cooperate to protect people and limit Russia's ability to wage this terrible war," Zelensky stressed.

Trump announced deliveries of Russian diesel

On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that he had agreed with Vladimir Putin to deliver nearly 5 million tons of Russian diesel oil to the United States and other countries. The transports are to be carried out within the next few months.

According to these findings, sanctions on Russian fuel are to be suspended until April 2027.

"We will not close our eyes to the needs of Ukrainians"

Also on Friday, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced the granting of the 35th military support package to Ukraine. The ministry said that the decision was made faster in response to an urgent request from the authorities in Kiev.

The assistance is to include equipment and components provided directly from the resources of the Finnish Armed Forces.

We will not close our eyes to the needs of Ukrainians. We will stand by Ukraine and continue delivering military aid, said Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen.

After Friday's decision, the total value of Finnish military aid to Ukraine, provided since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, increased to EUR 3.6 billion, the ministry said.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Delivery of ammunition for the F-16 to Ukraine in the coming days.
Very likely · Within days

Open Questions

What will be the reactions of US allies to the suspension of fuel sanctions?
Will Russian diesel supplies affect fuel prices in the US?