Finnish mothers of fallen Ukraine fighters criticise state silence and lack of support

By admin On Apr 20, 2025

Finnish flag marks for fallen Finnish foreign fighter at Independence Square Maidan in Kyiv, Ukraine. LEHTIKUVA

Finnish families mourning relatives who died as volunteer fighters in Ukraine have accused the Finnish government of failing to acknowledge their sacrifice and criticised the lack of support offered by state authorities.

Two mothers whose sons were killed in action travelled to Kyiv in March as part of a visit organised by the Finland–Ukraine National Defence Association.

Both women, wearing patches bearing the Finnish and Ukrainian flags, met with Ukraine’s Chief of Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov. The trip included five relatives of three fallen Finnish volunteers.

Budanov expressed condolences and praised the performance of Finnish fighters. “I don’t want to offend anyone, but Finnish fighters are in a league of their own compared to those from other countries,” he told the group, according to the association.

The women asked about other Finns listed as missing in action. Budanov explained that Ukrainian forces classify soldiers as missing if their bodies remain unrecovered. Even if fellow soldiers witnessed their deaths, they cannot be officially declared dead without remains. He requested coordinates of these incidents and promised assistance.

The mothers, who asked to remain anonymous, said Ukraine’s recognition brought them comfort. “This meeting means a great deal. Ukraine acknowledges our sons’ sacrifice,” one said.

But they voiced strong dissatisfaction with their treatment in Finland. They criticised public speculation about the motivations of those who volunteered to fight, saying such assumptions—including references to social or mental health issues—were inaccurate and offensive.

“Our sons went to defend all of Europe,” one mother said. “Their decision was based on values.”

They also condemned Finnish politicians for failing to acknowledge the role of volunteer fighters, despite repeatedly celebrating military aid sent to Ukraine. “It’s wrong that politicians proudly highlight all the support sent to Ukraine but never mention that volunteers are risking their lives too,” one said.

Their harshest criticism was directed at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which they said offered no support beyond initial notification of the deaths. “Only NGOs have helped us — specifically the Finland–Ukraine Defence Association and Your Finnish Friends — as well as one individual at Finland’s embassy in Kyiv,” one mother said.

Jussi Tanner, the Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Consular Services, acknowledged the concerns. “We never intended to minimise the experiences of the bereaved,” he told Yle. “Our aim has been to provide consistent and accurate information.”

The ministry published new guidance in February discouraging Finns from volunteering in Ukraine but stated it would offer consular support where possible. Finnish authorities maintain that individuals who choose to fight abroad do so on personal initiative and outside of official military structures.

Kirill Rinne, chairman of the Finland–Ukraine National Defence Association, called for the Finnish government to equip volunteers with basic protective gear. “Finland is sending military aid worth billions. Why can’t €10,000 to €20,000 be used to ensure these volunteers have basic protective gear?” he said. “It’s the government’s duty to protect its citizens.”

Government policy states that all military aid is sent through official international channels. Volunteers are not supplied or managed by the state, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs does not recommend or support participation in foreign conflicts.

Rinne argued that the current approach leaves the burden on NGOs. He also raised concerns about the long-term welfare of returning fighters. “Volunteers need proper care and recognition as veterans,” he said.

He has proposed forming a Finnish drone unit within Ukrainian forces to reduce the exposure of volunteers to front-line combat. While some Ukrainian units have agreed to the plan, Rinne admitted it would not eliminate the risk. “Even that doesn’t guarantee survival,” he said.

According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, around 150 Finnish nationals have fought in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi