On February 24, 2025, marking the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland announced it will support Ukraine with €4.5 million, focusing on efforts to aid vulnerable groups displaced by the conflict. According to the Finnish Foreign Ministry, these funds will be channeled through the Partnership Fund for Strong Ukraine (PFRU), which seeks to provide assistance at the front lines and support services.
The PFRU prioritizes various demographics, including victims of sexual violence, war veterans, and children displaced due to the turmoil. This initiative aims to address urgent needs for psychosocial support, housing reconstruction, and other forms of humanitarian assistance. "The Partnership Fund for Strong Ukraine offers support for vulnerable groups at the front, including victims of sexual violence and war veterans," the ministry emphasized.
Finland is not alone in its commitment to Ukraine, with numerous international partners also contributing to the fund. Countries including the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States, Switzerland, and Sweden are among the financial stakeholders supporting these initiatives. During recent meetings held on the same day, leaders from Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada convened to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine. Alongside them, prominent EU officials, including President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa, reconfirmed the European Union's commitment to aid Ukraine, announcing additional financial support of €3.5 billion expected to be disbursed by March.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also visited Ukraine and underscored the persistent humanitarian plight facing millions. "We will support the reconstruction of the country and be ready to help those who want to return as soon as the sky is free of rockets and drones," he stated during his tour of the war-torn areas. Grandi noted the enormity of the task at hand, citing the overwhelming number of Ukrainians displaced—over 10.6 million since the start of the war. Most of these individuals fled during the initial phases of the invasion, and many continue to endure significant hardships due to relentless bombardments and infrastructure destruction.
The scale of the destruction is staggering, with more than 200,000 people evacuated from frontline areas alone within the last six months. The continuous Russian assaults on civilian infrastructure have left many Ukrainians without shelter, heat, or electricity, compelling them to seek refuge internally or abroad. Reports suggest approximately two million homes have either been damaged or destroyed, affecting nearly ten percent of the nation’s housing stock.
While some two-thirds of the displaced population maintains hope of returning to their homeland, various barriers—such as insecurity and limited access to housing—obstruct their repatriation desires. "The scale of destruction and the large number of displaced people make the reconstruction task enormous," Grandi reflected, emphasizing the comprehensive support necessary for these individuals to rebuild their lives.
Grandi pointed out the importance of reconciliation efforts, humanitarian aid, and support systems, especially as Ukrainians mourn the loss of loved ones, homes, jobs, and community structures. The UNHCR remains committed to helping those impacted by the war, providing temporary shelter, financial assistance, and psychosocial support to bolster mental health as they navigate the traumas inflicted by the conflict.
At this pivotal moment for Ukraine, international financial support and aid are deemed more necessary than ever. The involved countries, including Finland and several others, recognize the imperative of continuing assistance to restore stability within Ukraine. The international community's push for aid is not merely about immediate relief but also about fostering long-term recovery as Ukrainians endeavor to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future.