Finland and Ukraine reaching drone cooperation agreement

Finland and Ukraine are set to forge a drone cooperation agreement, as Finnish President Alexander Stubb and other European leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Independence Day on Monday. The rally also showcased the "coalition of the willing," a group of nations backing Ukraine, including Britain and France. Stubb expressed confidence in Ukraine's eventual victory over Russia, emphasizing that international support would persist.

Over a third of assistance to Ukraine originates from the EU's northernmost members. Stubb anticipates a soon-to-be-reached agreement on drone cooperation between Finland and Ukraine, with 90% of Finland's drone production potentially heading to Ukraine and the remaining 10% staying within the country. The Finnish delegation comprises seven defense firms, with Patria, Insta, and Boomeranger signing memorandums of understanding with Ukrainian firms for collaborative production.

Meanwhile, the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, plans to propose additional sanctions against Russia. Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.