Ukraine, Finland sign drone production accord

Ukraine and Finland signed a defence accord Wednesday to cooperate on drone production, including technology transfer, authorities said.

The deal was sealed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Stubb said at a press conference that the agreement would involve joint production. He said Ukraine could be interested in making drones in Finland, where production could be “more efficient and cheaper.”

Stubb said on social media that Finland’s cooperation with Ukraine was mutually beneficial because Finland could learn from Ukraine’s wartime experience while strengthening its own capabilities.

Zelensky called the agreement an “important step for the joint protection of our people and an even stronger partnership between our countries.” He said Ukraine was ready to share with close friends what had helped it protect lives.