Minister of the Interior Rantanen speaks with Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko

Minister of the Interior Rantanen speaks with Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko

Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko held a videoconference on Wednesday 5 November. The topics on their agenda included cooperation between Finnish and Ukrainian security authorities and Ukraine's new support needs.

"Finland will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. We will keep sending material assistance and help Ukraine develop its civil defence. Cooperation between our countries' security authorities is close and effective. We can learn from Ukraine's experiences in improving our own security and preparedness," Minister Rantanen says.

In May, Finland and Ukraine launched an international civil defence coalition project led jointly by Finland and Ukraine. The project has kicked off well. Ukraine aims to build more than 10,000 new civil defence shelters over the next decade.

This year, Finland's civilian material assistance has focused especially on supporting Ukraine's rescue services. This support is very important because it helps reduce the impact of attacks against, for example, Ukraine's energy sector.

The Ministry of the Interior also supports Ukraine through civilian crisis management. Ukraine is currently Finland's top priority in this area, with around 20 Finnish experts working for the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine.

Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs is in charge of rescue services, police and border management, and immigration matters. The Ministry also oversees the National Guard, which is responsible for maintaining order and security in the theatre of operations during the war in cooperation with the police.

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, [email protected]
Pauliina Eskola, Director of Rescue Services, Accident Prevention and International Cooperation, tel. +358 295 488 263, [email protected]
Requests for interviews with Minister Mari Rantanen: [email protected]