Ukraine Urges Finnish Firms to Test Battlefield Tech, Says Technology Will Decide War
Technological superiority will decide the outcome of the war, and Finnish companies are being urged to partner with Ukraine to test and deploy equipment.
At the Drone Innovation Hackathon at Nokia Arena in Tampere (21–23 January 2026), Ambassador Mykhailo Vydoinyk urged deeper Finnish–Ukrainian technological cooperation, arguing the war’s outcome will be decided by technological advantage. He called on Finnish companies, hobbyists and researchers to partner with Ukrainian counterparts and test equipment under real conditions.
Drones, cybersecurity, electronics and software were named priority areas, and attendees were urged to move beyond rhetoric to practical testing and adaptation for battlefield use. "Finland has a wealth of expertise, sharp thinkers and top engineers," he said, encouraging firms to meet Ukrainians, share ideas and adapt solutions. He also attended the hackathon's award ceremony at the Platform 6 startup hub.
Ukraine will not simply rebuild pre-war infrastructure but intends to construct safer, more technologically advanced systems from scratch. Companies were encouraged to establish a presence in Ukraine and work with local partners, with on-the-ground collaboration speeding development and deployment.
The ambassador warned winter has worsened shortages of energy and urban services and appealed to Tampere and other local actors for practical aid, including generators. "Ukrainian soldiers are buying Europe time," he said, urging that time be used to prepare rather than wait. The comments come as Helsingin Sanomat reported intensified strikes on power and heating infrastructure and weakening air defence this winter (HS, 26 January 2026).
Catch the full story over at Business Tampere
