Finland and Ukraine to intensify cooperation on civil defence shelters

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries signed a joint letter of intent concerning cooperation on civil defence shelters on 19 March 2025 in connection with the meeting between President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin have signed a joint letter of intent to intensify cooperation on civil defence shelters. 

“We will support Ukraine in developing its civil defence shelter system as it is an area where Finland has a great deal of experience. The past three harsh years of Russia’s war of aggression have brought Ukraine face to face with the importance of civil defence shelters,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The joint letter of intent was signed in Helsinki during a visit to the bedrock civil defence shelter in Merihaka. 

Finland and Ukraine are together preparing a project to develop the civil defence shelter system in Ukraine. The aim is to support Ukraine in reforming its civil defence shelter system and develop the coordination of international support related to civil defence shelters to promote that the construction of civil defence shelters aligns with Ukraine’s national strategic objectives.

Rescue services and civil defence are also among the key areas of the civilian material assistance that Finland provides to Ukraine. Finland has so far sent 409 truckloads of material assistance to Ukraine for the needs of the rescue services, energy and healthcare sectors, among others. Finland will continue its strong support to Ukraine in other sectors, too.

Inquiries:
Pauliina Eskola, Director of Rescue Services, Accident Prevention and International Cooperation, tel. +358 295 488 263, [email protected]