Finland vows to continue support to Ukraine

Finland on Wednesday celebrated the Independence Day of Ukraine with the commitment to continue support to the country, which is now facing Russia´s invasion.

“Today (Wednesday), we celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine. Finland continues its support to Ukraine as long as needed in their struggle for freedom,” said the Finnish government in a twitter post.

Finland continued to support Ukraine through civilian material assistance during the summer, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release on Wednesday.

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”, said Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.