Ministers of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the Republic of Finland have visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
As part of the official two-day visit to Ukraine, Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Finland, together with Ihor Klymenko, Minister of the Interior of Ukraine, visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
Among the members of the Ukrainian delegation were Ivan Vyhivskyi, Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Andrii Danyk, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Serhii Deineko, Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and others.
During the visit, the parties examined the activities of the unit of the National Guard of Ukraine, which performs the tasks of protection and defense of facilities in the exclusion zone.
The commander of the unit emphasised that all personnel undergo special training and work in places where the radiation background does not exceed the norm.
In order to perform these functions with high efficiency, a well-established interaction with the administrations and personnel of the facilities has been established, and regular measurements of the radiation background are carried out at the duty stations by the CBRN units and representatives of the State Specialised Enterprise “Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant”.
The delegation was also briefed on the work of the mobile fire groups of the National Guard of Ukraine, which strengthen the state's air defence system during russian air strikes, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure. Since the beginning of this year alone, they have shot down 11 enemy Shahed UAVs in their operational area.
In addition, Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the Finnish delegation visited the destroyed bridge over the Pripyat River, which is located 9 kilometers from the border with belarus.
This bridge was blown up at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to restrain the movement of russian troops advancing from belarus.
Furthermore, Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Finland and Ihor Klymenko visited the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.
The delegation of the Republic of Finland not only observed the plant's work, but also witnessed firsthand the consequences of the enemy UAV attack on the plant that occurred on February 14.
Thus, Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, awarded 10 rescuers of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service in Kyiv region with badges “For Courage in Service” for their personal courage and selfless actions during the emergency response at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
“I want to thank each of you for your work. I am confident that our fathers and grandfathers, who eliminated the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster, can be proud of you. Despite working in hazardous conditions, you have fulfilled your duty. The whole country proudly witnessed your work”, – Ihor Klymenko emphasized, addressing the rescuers.
Meanwhile, international partners also highly appreciated the work of Ukrainian rescuers who face danger every day.
“I witnessed firsthand how difficult it is for rescuers to work in a time of war, overcoming numerous challenges. Your courage and professionalism deserve the highest respect”, – stated Mari Rantanen, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Finland.
The delegation also inspected a special heavy-type radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. It has systems for remote monitoring of radiation background and identification of chemical hazardous substances.
This vehicle made it possible to promptly monitor the radiation background after the UAV attacks.
“The work was complicated by sub-zero temperatures, icing of equipment, the need to rotate personnel, and extreme conditions: an altitude of more than 100 meters, a radioactive exposure zone, and a constant threat of enemy shelling. High-scalers worked at the site, rescue teams entered from the inside, and all operations were carried out under tight time constraints. In total, about 500 people completed the task thanks to their professional training for working at heights”, – said Andrii Danyk, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Moreover, the delegation was introduced to the organisation of state border protection and defence in this area.
The partners were shown protective structures and engineering barriers of self-produced construction.
Particular attention was paid to the use of unmanned aerial systems, in particular the “Leleka” UAV. The delegation was also informed about the training of UAV operators, including their education, exercises and mastering of combat missions.
At the end of the visit, the parties noted the importance of international security cooperation in responding to crisis situations.
The delegation of the Republic of Finland expressed its admiration for the courage of Ukrainian rescuers and military personnel who perform their tasks even in the most difficult conditions.
Ukrainian delegation thanked the partners for their support and stressed that joint efforts would help strengthen security.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
