Minister of Science and Culture Talvitie visits Ukraine

In Lviv the focus was on the protection of culture, recovery and international cooperation
Minister of Science and Culture Talvitie visits Ukraine

Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie visited Ukraine from 29 to 31 March. In Lviv, she took part, at Ukraine's invitation, in a meeting on culture that examined the state of Ukrainian culture, the protection of cultural heritage and international cooperation including practical support measures. During the visit the Minister held one-to-one discussions with Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine - Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Berezhna and Lithuania's Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė.

The meeting underlined the central role of culture in times of crisis and in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. Discussions drew attention to the need for coordinated international cooperation. Participants stressed the importance of Ukrainian cultural organisations' determination, and how remarkable it is that they can continue their work despite the war.

"It is important to note how relations between Finland and Ukraine have deepened so markedly as a result of Russia's war of aggression. Finland continues its strong support for Ukraine's reconstruction, especially in education and training, civil defence and the protection of cultural heritage. Ukraine's Ministry of Culture has shown interest in the concrete cooperation initiatives proposed by Finland, and we will take them forward together," said Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.

Finland's address at the meeting emphasised the role of culture in building a society's resilience and Finland's long-term support for Ukraine's cultural sector. The Minister stressed that culture is part of comprehensive security and that the situation in Ukraine shows how culture can be both vulnerable and resilient in times of crisis.

New tools for protecting Ukraine's culture

The meeting introduced the Culture Resilience Alliance, established in summer 2025, which Finland joined in October 2025. The Alliance brings together governments, funders, organisations and cultural actors to support Ukrainian culture. Discussions focused on bolstering the cultural sector during reconstruction, widening international cooperation and sharing expertise on preparedness.

Finland highlighted three initiatives now in preparation as part of the European Commission's Team Europe for Cultural Heritage in Ukraine: cooperation between the National Museum of Finland and Ukraine on collections and exhibitions, support from the Finnish National Gallery for conserving Ukrainian artworks and sharing expertise on digital long-term preservation. Ukraine's Ministry of Culture has expressed interest in discussing all three initiatives, as well as wider cooperation in the cultural sector.

The meeting also reviewed the work of the Ukraine Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF) and its upcoming projects. The Fund focuses on protecting cultural heritage damaged in the war, carrying out emergency measures to stabilise conditions, and supporting long-term restoration. Finland is not currently a donor but is monitoring developments and considering the Fund's potential role in future discussions.

The day's discussions showed a strong international commitment to supporting Ukraine's cultural sector and ensuring that cultural reconstruction keeps pace with the country's wider recovery. Participants emphasised the importance of long-term cooperation and the fact that culture underpins both resilience and peacebuilding.

According to Minister Talvitie, the Lviv meeting confirmed that protecting culture is a shared European responsibility. "Our common message was clear: culture builds trust, deepens a sense of identity and is one of the cornerstones of future reconstruction."

Inquiries:
Kirsi Lindroos, Director, tel. +358 295 330 393
Tapani Sainio, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 336