Finland, known for its resilience and preparedness, understands better than anyone what it means to have Russia as a neighbor. Since 1961, the country has been conducting National Defense Courses, a special training program for socially influential citizens. These courses provide a comprehensive overview of Finland’s foreign policy, economy, security and defense policies, the activities of the Finnish Defense Forces, civil defense, and critical infrastructure. The aim of the courses is to enhance cooperation between various sectors of society in emergency situations and to promote networking among people working in different fields.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the issue of assisting our country and resisting the terrorist state has taken a central role in the National Defense Course program. This time, Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland and Iceland, Olga Dibrova, also joined the main speakers of the training.

In her speech, Ambassador talked about the realities of the Ukrainian-Russian war and why it is often called the war of drones, about #RussiasWarCrimes, the phenomenon of success of Ukrainians in crisis management, the need to provide Ukraine with military aid for the sake of European security, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"Such meetings are always special for me because Finnish society, from the very first day, has shown a true example of solidarity and support for Ukraine at all levels – local, national, and international. I would like to thank Finland for being a true friend and ally of Ukraine and for reminding Europe and the entire world every day that Ukraine must win, and only Ukraine's victory will ensure a just and lasting peace in Europe," said Olga Dibrova.

We thank the National Defense Courses and the Director of the Courses, Colonel Jussi Kosonen, for the invitation, and the participants for the warm welcome and engaging discussion.

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