Finland provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine

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Finland
flags of Finland and Ukraine

Helsinki, 2 September 2022 (TDI): Finland supplies humanitarian aid, temporary accommodation units, and public administrative help to Ukraine.

The government of Finland provided Ukraine with additional funding totaling 70 million euros in the July supplementary budget. Now, half of these funds have been allocated to enhance reproductive health and food security and to provide housing in Ukraine for individuals who have lost their houses.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, nearly 18 million people in Ukraine require urgent assistance. The next winter will make life in Ukraine more difficult.

According to Minister of Development Cooperation Ville Skinnar, “The funding Finland now grants amounts to EUR 35 million, and it will be used both to meet immediate needs arising from the Russian invasion and to prepare for supporting Ukraine when the war ends.”

The most pressing humanitarian needs are those related to financial help, protection, and food security. Finland provides 15 million euros in humanitarian aid.

The World Food Programme (WFP) will receive a grant of EUR 5 million. In addition, EUR 2 million will be allocated through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to improve reproductive health, prevent gender-based violence, and help victims of sexual abuse.

Also Read: Finnish Prime Minister Leads Nordic-Baltic-Ireland meeting

Accommodation facilities for Ukraine

At least 200 Ukrainians who lost their houses in the fighting will get temporary family housing from Finland at Ukraine’s request. Ten mobile housing units will also be provided to Ukraine for use by the rescue workers.

Through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism, the Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs will purchase the residential units. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs will get the armored housing containers for rescue workers.

PEACE project in Ukraine

Finland aids Ukraine’s resiliency by working on its development. The World Bank-managed Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance (PEACE) in Ukraine Project will receive the 15 million euros that have recently been allocated.

The objectives are to assist Ukraine during the invasion, get ready to assist immediately when the battle is over, and develop long-term plans for rehabilitation.

To let children continue attending school despite the fighting, the Project will provide Ukraine with money to pay teachers’ salaries.

Support for Ukraine in 2023

The decisions made presently only cover half of the support package. The support package’s remaining funds will be distributed at the end of 2022 and in 2023.

Based on requests from Ukraine, Finland will keep giving support. Finland has also provided Ukraine with defense equipment directly and via the European Peace Facility. The proposed budget for development assistance in Ukraine in 2023 is EUR 37 million.