PM´s remarks regarding fighter jets surprise Finnish leaders

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Friday opined that Finland might consider about the possibility for sending some ageing Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine, which surprised country leaders including the President and Defence Minister, local media reported.

Talking to the journalists in Kyiv during her visit to Ukraine, the Premier said that that there could be a discussion in Finland, whether it would be possible to send some ageing Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine as Finland decided to buy new fighter jets and the timetable of their arrival is known.

"There will certainly be a discussion about fighter jets. Various countries are weighing their own abilities to deliver this kind of military support. I think this could also be discussed in Finland. We know that we have made a decision about new fighter jets. We know the timetable for when we will receive new jets in Finland, and I think we can also have discussions in regard to the Hornets, whether it would be possible to hand [jets] over to Ukraine…but no decisions have been made. The discussions are in the very early stages," reported national broadcaster Yle, quoting the Prime Minister as saying, replying to a query of a reporter.

President Sauli Niinistö said that there was no discussion with anyone about sending Hornet fighters to Ukraine, reported Yle, quoting News Agency STT.

Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen talked to Finnish language evening tabloid Iltalehti and commercial broadcaster MTV on the issue.

He said, Finland still need its Hornets for the next few years and the reason behind mentioning the issue in Kyiv by the Prime Minister was unknown to him.