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Finland plans info package for Finns joining Ukraine forces

Finnish casualties in Ukraine are higher than previously reported, according to a regional newspaper.

Three Ukrainian soldiers in a forest.
Ukrainian soldiers training in November 2024. File photo. Image: Justas Stasevskij / Yle
  • Yle News

More Finnish soldiers have died on the battlefield in Ukraine than has been reported in the news media, according to Finnish news agency STT, citing a story in Turun Sanomat.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, media reports have cited six Finns dying while fighting in Ukraine.

Jussi Tanner, who heads consular services at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, told the paper that the actual figure is closer to ten, including those killed or missing in combat. The ministry estimates that approximately 100 Finns have travelled to Ukraine as foreign fighters since February 2022.

While the Finnish government continues to strongly advise against travel to the war-torn country, the Foreign Ministry announced it is planning to publish an information package for those considering joining the fighting in Ukraine.