Minister Sari Multala attends 40th anniversary commemoration of Chornobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine

Minister Sari Multala attends 40th anniversary commemoration of Chornobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine

On 26 April 2026, Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala visited Ukraine to attend memorials commemorating the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident 40 years ago and to participate in a high-level meeting on improving the plant safety. She also took part in a G7+ meeting in Kyiv to discuss support for Ukraine for the winter of 2026-2027 amid Russia's continuing attacks on energy and civilian targets.

High-level meeting to restore nuclear safety at Chornobyl

A high-level meeting was organised in Chornobyl on Sunday to discuss the damaged protective shield of the power plant, measures to build a new shield as well as ways to ensure nuclear safety in Ukraine during the ongoing invasion by Russia. The protective shell of the Chornobyl reactor 4 was badly damaged in a drone attack in February 2025.

The meeting was attended by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, and ministers from around 10 European countries.

In her speech, Minister Sari Multala praised Ukraine's tireless efforts to maintain nuclear safety in extremely difficult conditions. These efforts include close collaboration in the Finnish Ukrainian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Cooperation (FURN), which reflects the countries' joint commitment to protecting people and the environment.

"I would also like to express Finland's deep appreciation for IAEA's invaluable work in ensuring nuclear safety and security arrangements in Ukrainian plants. Finland has actively supported the IAEA in its work and our long-term bilateral cooperation with Ukraine in the field of nuclear safety will continue," Minister Multala said.

Preparing for winter season 2026/2027 and support for Ukraine

A meeting of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group was held in Kyiv on Sunday to assess Ukraine's preparedness for the winter season of 2026-2027 and explore the best ways to protect civilians and Ukraine's energy sector at that time.

In her speech, Minister Multala said Finland stands firmly by Ukraine and condemns as violations of international humanitarian law Russia's deliberate and systematic attacks against civilians and the energy infrastructure they depend on.

"This past winter in Ukraine was particularly harsh, but Ukrainians showed exceptional resilience in the face of Russia's attempts to break them by cutting off electricity, water and heating. Russia's efforts were unsuccessful. It is important to we continue to find ways to strengthen our support together," she added.

"Finland and Ukraine have identified several possibilities to cooperate more closely in the protection of critical infrastructure and the energy sector, for example. I will strive to promote collaboration between Finnish and Ukrainian companies so that the skills and expertise of Finnish businesses can be utilised in Ukraine," Minister Multala said.

"Finland will allocate to Ukraine EUR 300 million more in funding before the end of this parliamentary term. The goal is to begin industrial cooperation that will support both Ukraine's defence and Finland's defence industry," she added.

Since the start of Russia's aggression, Finland has found many ways to help Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, which are also affected by the war. Finland has allocated over EUR 4.1 billion in support to Ukraine since 2022.

Finland provides assistance to Ukraine's energy sector through material supplies and humanitarian aid. Finland has delivered generators, tents, tent heaters and ready-to-eat foods to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Aid is also allocated to households, health centres and other facilities essential for everyday survival against the backdrop of ongoing power outages and disruptions to heat supply caused by Russia's attacks.

Within civil defence, Finland provides funding to Ukraine e.g. for the construction of emergency shelters. The civil defence coalition established by Finland and Ukraine improves the protection of civilians by building and renovating civil shelters in frontline areas and high-risk facilities, such as hospitals and daycare centres.

Inquiries:
Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 476 1341
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607
Eero Karjalainen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 093