The Finnish cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Vantaa, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kotka, Kouvola, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Porvoo and Rovaniemi are preparing to provide assistance to Ukraine. In some of the cities, decisions have been taken today, 28 February 2022, and in others, the necessary decisions are to be taken when the elected bodies next meet. The cities will assist the country of Ukraine and its residents with a sum totalling approximately EUR 1.5 million.
The assistance from the cities will be provided either as cash assistance or as humanitarian aid in cooperation with the Finnish State, a relief organisation or other reliable partner.
“The war in Ukraine has caused a humanitarian emergency, and aid for those in the midst of war is now important. Our cities want to show their support for the Ukrainians in this shocking and very sad situation,” the mayors of the contributing cities state.
The cities also encourage other Finnish municipalities to cooperate and assist in a similar way.
Ukraine became caught up in a war after Russian forces invaded the country on Thursday, 24 February 2022. Ukraine has made an international appeal for urgent support for the country and its residents. Many countries and organisations, the Finnish State included, have already made decisions to support Ukraine. The Embassy of Ukraine has also approached certain Finnish cities with a request for assistance to alleviate the damage and losses caused by the hostilities against the country of Ukraine and its population.
