Finland continued to support Ukraine through civilian material assistance during the summer

On 8 July, Finland sent medical supplies and radiation safety equipment to Ukraine, and on 2 August, rescue service supplies, such as stretchers, defibrillators, first-aid kits and protective equipment. The material assistance was provided through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism.

Since February, Finland has sent 23 truckloads of civilian material assistance to Ukraine and four to Moldova. Six fire engines and 13 ambulances have also been sent to Ukraine. The monetary value of the civilian material assistance is over EUR two million. In addition, Finland has sent experts to Poland, Moldova and Slovakia to help coordinate the assistance delivered through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism. The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is coordinating the assistance delivered to Ukraine and its neighbouring regions through the Mechanism.  

“Finland has sent civilian material assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion. There is still a great need for medicines, shelters and first aid supplies, for example. So we will continue to deliver material assistance that Ukraine has requested”, says Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.

Need for assistance will continue in Ukraine for a long time

The aid operation is exceptional and the need for assistance is expected to continue for a long time. Rescue workers work in difficult conditions to protect the civilian population and will continue to need different kinds of material assistance. Ukraine currently needs medicines, first aid supplies, shelters, water purification tablets, mine clearance equipment and ambulances. However, the needs are changing all the time.  

In Finland, the Ministry of the Interior is coordinating donations by businesses, organisations and public administration. The best way private individuals can help is by donating money to aid organisations. The donated items and supplies are delivered to those in need of assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and in cooperation with the responsible authorities in Ukraine. The assistance provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism is coordinated by the European Commission. This will ensure that donations can be monitored and reach their destination.

Inquiries:

Pekka Tiainen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 227, [email protected] 

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine