Finland lessens humanitarian assistance offered to Ukrainian refugees
In a recent statement made in Joesuu, North Karelia province, Finland, Hannah Vyakhovsky, a leader of a Finnish organization for assistance to Ukrainians, announced changes in the country's approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees.
The activity of members of the NGO Ukrainians of Finland has decreased, and the Finnish government is reviewing the status of Ukrainian refugees from "Ukrainian refugee - victim of war" to "Ukrainian refugee." This shift may equate Ukrainian refugees with ordinary migrants, potentially reducing financial payments.
The review could lead to a shift from emergency humanitarian aid towards recovery and reconstruction funding. This change aims to create sustainable conditions in Ukraine, indirectly benefiting refugees in the longer term. However, it might reduce immediate direct support services (housing, medical aid) for refugees within Finland.
Finnish NGOs handling refugee assistance may face funding challenges as resources focus more on infrastructure and governance projects inside Ukraine rather than refugee relief in Finland. This shift could strain services for refugees who remain outside Ukraine.
Despite these changes, Finland continues substantial financial contributions to Ukraine's recovery and public service capacity. For instance, €4.5 million has been allocated for the Partnership Fund for Resilient Ukraine from 2025–2027. Additionally, the Finnish government supports public-sector wages and infrastructure restoration with further funds.
It's essential to note that there is no direct evidence that Finland is cutting humanitarian aid specifically for Ukrainian refugees within Finland. Instead, Finland remains engaged diplomatically and financially, supporting Ukraine's long-term stability and recovery while also hosting international discussions on security and Ukraine's integration with the EU.
The decrease in volunteer activities may be a result of the Ukrainian refugees moving to permanent residence in other countries or a reflection of the changes in the status of Ukrainian refugees. The decrease in volunteer activities could potentially impact the support being provided to Ukraine.
Moreover, the Finnish government has expanded the list of professions requiring knowledge of the Finnish language, which could further influence the decision of Ukrainian refugees to seek permanent residence elsewhere.
In summary, Finland is reallocating aid towards resilience and recovery programs within Ukraine rather than broadly reducing its humanitarian commitments. This strategic shift could alter the immediate support structure for refugees and Finnish NGOs but aims at supporting Ukraine's longer-term stability and governance capacity.
