Ukraine, Finland launch international coalition for civil defense shelters

By Alperen Aktas

KYIV (AA) – Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Wednesday that Ukraine and Finland have launched an international coalition to build thousands of civil defense shelters, aiming to enhance the country’s preparedness amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Speaking after a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Kyiv, Shmyhal wrote on X the two sides signed documents to boost cooperation in security, energy, education and civil protection.

“We are launching an international Coalition of civil defence shelters together with Finland to support our country,” he said, adding: “Our goal is to build 2,300 civil defence shelters by 2027 and another 3,000 by 2030.”

Shmyhal urged other countries to join the initiative and help accelerate the construction effort.

“We are grateful to the Finnish government for its support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” he said.