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

Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko held a videoconference on Friday 31 May. The home affairs ministers discussed Finland's assistance to Ukraine and Ukraine's immediate support needs. The ministers also talked about Ukraine's preparedness expertise.

In particular, the ministers discussed the concrete support needs related to the capabilities of the forces operating under the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, so that any support provided would directly help the troops on the ground. 

Minister Rantanen told her colleague that Finland and the Ministry of the Interior will do their utmost to support Ukraine with concrete measures to meet the country's immediate needs.

“Ukraine needs our support right now and going forward, so I will do my part to speed up the delivery of assistance from Finland,” says Minister of the Interior Rantanen.

Providing a wide range of assistance, the Ministry of the Interior coordinates the provision of material emergency relief to Ukraine through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. With the next relief delivery, Finland will send a large amount of energy sector supplies and school supplies.

Ministers discussed preparedness

The home affairs ministers discussed the countries' experiences and expertise related to preparedness. 

Finland can make use of the lessons Ukraine has learned in areas such as arrangements to ensure preparedness of critical infrastructure, and the practical work carried out by the rescue services and the police to guarantee preparedness. 

Minister Klymenko said that the authorities in his administrative branch were hampered by destroyed infrastructure and had to operate in difficult conditions. The war has introduced new kinds of tasks, working conditions and work-related risks to the Ukrainian authorities. However, Finland can support Ukraine, for example with expertise related to civil defence shelters. The ministers agreed to deepen the cooperation between the two countries to enable Finland make use of Ukraine's experiences.

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:

Piia Manninen, Special Adviser to Minister of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 295, [email protected]