Tavio visits Kiev to support Ukraine´s reconstruction

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio on Thursday visited Kiev and discussed Finland’s support for Ukraine with the Ukrainian leaders, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

During his visit, Tavio met Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko and Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov.

The Ministers discussed Finland’s support for Ukraine, Ukraine’s reconstruction needs and future cooperation between the countries.

Finnish companies and key actors participated in the meetings along with Tavio.

The visit showcased Finnish technological know-how that can be used to promote the reconstruction of Ukraine and the participation of Finnish companies in the reconstruction market.

“Finland will support Ukraine as long as necessary. Ukraine will need our extensive, long-term support to repair damage caused by Russia’s ongoing aggression. Finnish companies are interested in various areas of reconstruction, including technical planning, the energy sector, the clean transition, the environment and telecommunications,” said Tavio.

During his visit, Tavio announced that Finland would provide EUR 2.5 million in funding for the work of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Ukraine in 2024–2027.

The support will be used to assess environmental damage caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, to plan repair measures and to develop Ukraine’s environmental administration.

The support will complement Finland’s work as a co-chair of the working group on environmental safety of Ukraine’s Peace Formula.

Tavio also discussed Finland’s development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in Ukraine with Denise Brown, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine.

“Ukraine is Finland’s biggest partner in development cooperation. We support reforms in Ukrainian education and environmental sector and developments in the rule of law on the country’s path towards the European Union,” Tavio said.