Wed, 04 Mar, 2015 03:00:08 AM Russia laments export of laser equipment to Ukraine FTimes-STT Report, Mar 4  Noptel Ltd on Tuesday described the LRF-200 laser rangefinders in Oulu. Photo Lehtikuva. The foreign ministry has been monitoring the media regarding Russia’s reaction to export of laser rangefinders to Ukraine.
But Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said Finland had not been contacted by Russia about the export of the laser rangefinders. And according to him, Finland needs not to respond to Russia.
The minister also said the licensing procedure has been completely transparent.
The biggest question, according to Tuomioja, is from where the separatists have obtained fairly advanced weapon systems.
“Finland has not dispatched lethal aid to Ukraine,” said Tuomioja.
According to him, the laser rangefinders can be used as part of weaponry.
According to the foreign ministry, there is no information that Russia would have previously intervened on the Finnish exports.
Tuomioja’s remarks came after the Russian foreign ministry criticised Finland for approving the export of laser rangefinders to Ukraine.
A statement published on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website said Finland’s decision does not serve the attainment of peace in Ukraine.
Photo Lehtikuva. According to Russia, the laser rangefinders could be mounted on weapons.
The matter was also reported by a number of media outlets including the Finnish language daily Helsingin Sanomat.
The controversy comes after the country granted the Oulu-based company Noptel a licence to export a thousand laser rangefinders to Ukraine.
In an interview with the Helsingin Sanomat, Noptel Markku Koskinen Chief Executive Officer said a laser rangefinder is not a weapon.
According to the Helsingin Sanomat, Noptel is owned by a Belgian firearms manufacturer, FN Herstal.
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