Finland to donate locomotives to Ukraine

The State of Finland will donate 10 diesel locomotives to the Government of Ukraine to replace equipment lost during Russia’s war of aggression. The locomotives in question are currently being decommissioned by VR.

An extraordinary general meeting of VR-Group Plc has approved a capital repayment in which VR will transfer 10 diesel locomotives and a spare parts package to the State. The State will then donate the locomotives to Ukraine.

The Government of Ukraine has requested that the Finnish Government donate locomotive stock to replace locomotives lost during Russia’s war of aggression.

Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s railway infrastructure in its attacks, and hundreds of locomotives have been destroyed or damaged during the war. Railway transport is critical for Ukraine’s security of supply, as well as for the country’s economy and people’s mobility.

The locomotives to be donated are operational but would soon be decommissioned by VR. The donation will not affect VR’s ability to operate its services, and VR will continue to auction off decommissioned rolling stock on the Finnish market despite the donation.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978, Maija Strandberg, Director General, Ownership Steering Department, tel. +358 50 407 8423, Prime Minister’s Office; Anu Pulkkinen, Director, Unit for Eastern Europe, tel. +358 295 350 802, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.