On Monday 24 August, the independence day of Ukraine, Helsinki Mayor Sazonov met with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and other Kyiv city leaders. Mayor Sazonov also visited a hospital in Kyiv, met with Ukrainian war veterans and toured the services for veterans provided by the city of Kyiv.
“Seeing the ravages of war in Kyiv and conversing with war veterans and hospital staff served as stark and touching reminders of the inescapable presence the war in Ukraine has on the day-to-day life of the Ukrainian people. At the same time, they are a reminder of how important it is to show our unwavering support to Ukraine. Helsinki continues to stand with Ukraine, its cities and its people against Russia’s cruel war of aggression”, says Mayor Sazonov.
As a sign of Helsinki’s support, Mayor Sazonov told Mayor Klitschko about Helsinki’s plans to donate six ambulances to the city of Kyiv. Mayor Sazonov also promised that Helsinki will explore what other support it and its nearby communities can offer to Ukraine, such as generators and buses.
“The approaching autumn and winter will be of critical importance to Kyiv and its people, as Russia continues to strike civilian targets and critical infrastructure. The meetings made it clear that Kyiv and its residents need all available help to survive the coming winter”, says Mayor Sazonov.
Since the very beginning of the Ukraine war, the city of Helsinki has donated vehicles and other equipment Ukraine has asked for to several of its cities. Helsinki will continue to look for new ways and options to support Ukraine in the midst of the war.
“Mayor Klitschko and I also discussed the cooperation between Helsinki and Kyiv, the lessons the Ukraine war can teach us about civil defence and the work to rebuild Ukraine. The meeting further strengthened the already good relationship between Helsinki and Kyiv”, says Mayor Sazonov.
During his visit, Mayor Sazonov also participated in the Ukraine independence day festivities on 24 August as well as the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine held on 23 August in Kyev under the patronage of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi. This year’s independence day had a special historical significance, as it celebrated 35 years of Ukrainian independence.