Finnish and Ukrainian rescue authorities support Ukraine's international civil defence coalition

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) have agreed to deepen cooperation across different sectors. The cooperation emphasises support for Ukraine's international civil defence coalition. 

The inauguration of the civil defence coalition was held in Kyiv on Thursday 27 November. The Ministry of the Interior's support for the coalition will be channelled through a bilateral project between the Ministry of the Interior and SESU. The purpose of the project is to support Ukraine in strengthening its civil defence system. The project will also develop civil defence shelter solutions that the civil defence coalition could build in Ukraine with international support.

- In cooperation with Ukraine, it is essential not only to support the country at war but also to learn from Ukraine's experiences and thus enhance Finland's own civil defence. This includes learning about civil defence shelters as well as other aspects of civil defence, says Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services.

At their meeting, the Finnish and Ukrainian authorities agreed on closer cooperation in areas such as the management of rescue operations, mine clearance, collapse of buildings and activities at special sites. The aim is also to share expertise and further advance matters related to the rescue services' situation and command centre arrangements. In connection with the meeting, SESU’s experts gave a presentation to their Finnish guests on the specific characteristics of rescue operations during the war. 

The Ministry of the Interior also supports the Ukrainian State Emergency Service with material assistance. Finland has sent a total of 25 truckloads of rescue service supplies and more than 90 rescue service vehicles to Ukraine. Material assistance is channelled through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

During the visit, Ukraine conferred the highest decoration of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services, in recognition of close cooperation and the implementation of important security projects during the state of war.

Inquiries:
Heikki Honkanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 565
Olli Ryhänen, Senior Officer for Rescue Services, tel. +358 295 488 464

The Ministry’s email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.