United to win: Finland to support Ukraine with shelters, energy, and rail transport
Photo: AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
During talks, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo agreed to work on securing additional funding for shelter construction. Finland will also contribute 5 million euros to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and deliver 10 locomotives amid ongoing Russian attacks on railway infrastructure.
As European Pravda reports, Zelenskyi made the statement during a press conference with Petteri Orpo, Rubryka conveys.
According to the president, construction of protective shelters is already underway in various regions of Ukraine under the Shelter Coalition program. Teams have nearly finished work on some facilities, while other projects, such as building shelters in hospitals, require more time.
The parties are also paying special attention to the provision of mobile shelters.
"Finland leads the Shelter Coalition, and we have an agreement to work within this coalition to secure additional funding for shelter construction in Ukraine," Zelenskyi said.
Additionally, the president of Ukraine and the prime minister of Finland agreed that the Finnish side will attempt to organize an international meeting with other Shelter Coalition member states, which currently includes 16 nations.
Zelenskyi stressed the need to expand international cooperation to attract funding for implementing protective-structure projects.
"We need meetings and formats to secure more funding for these vital projects. Out of all European countries, Finland has the most experience and highest quality in shelter construction," the Ukrainian president stated.
During the press conference, Petteri Orpo also announced financial assistance for Ukraine's energy sector. Finland will allocate 5 million euros to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
"This fund complements Finland's existing support in energy resilience, delivering aid where and when it is needed," the Finnish prime minister said.
Furthermore, Orpo noted that Finland plans to deliver mobile containerized heating units to Ukraine in December. They will be capable of heating facilities the size of a medium hospital or an apartment building.
Finland has also allocated 2 million euros in humanitarian aid to support Ukraine's winter preparedness. The UN World Food Program and the UN Refugee Agency will distribute the funds.
Additionally, the Finnish side is preparing an extra 3 million euros in aid through the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO). These funds will strengthen the resilience of critical energy and water infrastructure, Orpo reported.
Orpo separately announced assistance for Ukraine's transport sector, noting that Finland decided to transfer 10 locomotives to the Ukrainian side in light of Russian attacks on railway infrastructure.
"Considering the Russian Federation's attacks on railway infrastructure, we have decided to transfer 10 locomotives to Ukraine," the head of the Finnish government stated.
As Rubryka reported, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo arrived in the Ukrainian capital for a visit on Thursday, October 22. The visit aimed to demonstrate Finland's resolute support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and winter preparations.
The parties paid special attention to expanding the use of Finnish satellite capabilities.
It was also reported that on September 23, Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyi of Ukraine and Alexander Stubb of Finland signed a Drone Deal—an agreement on enhanced defense and security cooperation that creates the framework for joint production of military goods.
