Finland provides material assistance to Ukraine’s rescue services

The Ministry of the Interior has procured 50,000 litres of foam suitable for extinguishing different types of fires for use by Ukraine’s rescue services. The foam purchase is part of an emergency assistance package coordinated by the Ministry through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The package consists of donations from various sectors of society and targeted procurements.

Firefighting foam is a vital resource for Ukraine’s rescue services. In addition to normal firefighting tasks, rescue services need it to extinguish fires caused by Russian missile strikes and to manage the impact of attacks on energy infrastructure.

Mixed with water, the 50 cubic metres of foam now supplied will produce more than 1.5 million litres of foam solution. Extinguishing a typical apartment fire requires a few hundred litres to just over a thousand litres of water.

Ukraine’s energy sector is under increasing attack

In winter, Russian strikes particularly target power plants and other energy infrastructure. These attacks have wide-ranging effects on important functions of society. In addition to limiting the damage caused by strikes, Ukraine must repair the destruction and compensate for gaps in energy production and distribution. The need for assistance to the energy sector is therefore significant.

Finland is an active provider of material assistance

This year, rescue services have been Finland’s largest single sector for assistance provided to Ukraine under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland has also delivered substantial material assistance to the energy sector and healthcare.

Civilian material assistance continues to play an important role in maintaining and strengthening the operational capacity of Ukrainian authorities. The Ministry of the Interior coordinates Finland’s state-provided civilian material assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition to targeted material procurements, assistance includes donations from various sectors of society. Several relief organisations in Finland also deliver assistance to Ukraine. For private individuals, the best way to help Ukraine is through these organisations.

Inquiries:
Emma Lindberg, Senior Coordinator, tel. +358 295 488 272, [email protected]
Kaius Kiiras, Senior Coordinator, tel. +358 295 488 272, [email protected]
Laura Haussalo, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 655, [email protected]