Russian Invasion: Finland Sends Weapons and Ammunition to Ukraine, Strengthens the Defence, Sparks Hope

• More support is coming for Ukraine amidst the invasion of the country by Russian forces under the command of Vladimir Putin
• Finland on Monday, February 28 announced that the country will send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as the invasion continues
• The country also gave the green light to Estonia to send previously Finnish-owned field guns to Ukraine

Helsinki - As the world continues to isolate and sanction Russia, Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Monday, February 28 announced that the country will send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.

Defence minister Antti Kaikkonen said the shipment will include 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 bullets, 1,500 anti-tank weapons, and 70,000 food packages.

Reuters reports that Kaikkonen told a news conference after a government meeting that:

“The anti-tank weapons can be used to fight armoured vehicles.”

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He also said Finland had decided it would supply Ukraine with helmets, bulletproof vests, and first aid equipment.

The UK Guardian reports that Kaikkonen hinted on Sunday, February 27 that the Finnish government was considering scrapping Finland’s long-standing policy of not allowing weapons to be exported to war zones.

The minister also said that Finland, which is not a Nato member and shares a long border with Russia, had given the green light to Estonia to send previously Finnish-owned field guns to Ukraine.

EU slaps 26 additional Russians with sanctions

Al Jazeera reports that the European Union has imposed sanctions on 26 more Russians, including oligarchs, senior officials and an energy insurance company, bringing the total of people targeted to 680.

EU headquarters said those listed include propagandists who contributed to spreading anti-Ukrainian propaganda and promoting a positive attitude towards the invasion of Ukraine.

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US Embassy asks Americans in Russia to leave immediately

Earlier reports indicated that the United States Embassy on Sunday, February 27, asked Americans in Russia to leave immediately following the invasion of Ukraine.

The embassy cited an increasing number of airlines canceling flights and countries closing their airspace to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

The move by the US was announced after the Biden-led government asked its citizens not to travel to Russia.

Continued tension could impact South Africa's economy negatively in future

Meanhile, Briefly News earlier reported that in the early hours of Thursday morning, 24 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin realised the fears of many world leaders and Ukrainian citizens by announcing that Russian soldiers would be invading Ukraine.

The Russian president also warned other world leaders that should they try to intervene in his efforts, they could face severe consequences.

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Putin's decision comes after months of speculation that Russia was making preparations to invade Ukraine by establishing military training posts near Ukrainian borders.

In the months leading to the invasion, world leaders such as US President Joe Biden attempted to hold talks with Putin, which proved to be unsuccessful.

Source: Briefly News