The head of the Finland–Ukraine National Defence Association, has called on the Finnish state to provide proper equipment for Finnish volunteers heading to Ukraine.
In a modest kitchen inside Ukrainian military intelligence headquarters, two Finnish women sit side by side, each wearing shoulder patches showing the flags of Finland and Ukraine. Both are mourning the loss of sons who died fighting in Ukraine as foreign volunteers.
“All we do now is closely follow what’s happening at the front and around the world,” one of the mothers said.
“It’s important to us that our sons’ sacrifices are not in vain. This war cannot be lost. We must do everything we can for victory,” added the other.
The women, who wish to remain anonymous, travelled to Kyiv in March as part of a trip organised by the Finland–Ukraine National Defence Association. The delegation included five relatives of three Finnish fighters killed in action.
The group met with Ukraine’s Chief of Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, whose department oversees most of the foreign units in the Ukrainian army. Budanov expressed condolences and praised the fallen volunteers.
“I don’t want to offend anyone, but Finnish fighters are in a league of their own compared to those from other countries,” Budanov said, according to the group.
According to Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, around 150 Finnish nationals have fought in Ukraine over the past three years.
‘Not declared dead without a body’
Relatives asked Budanov about Finnish fighters listed as “missing in action.” He explained that the term refers both to missing soldiers and those whose bodies remain unrecovered from the battlefield. Soldiers known to have died but whose remains have not been retrieved cannot be officially declared dead.
Budanov asked for the coordinates of such cases and promised assistance.
“This meeting means a great deal. Ukraine acknowledges our sons’ sacrifice,” said one of the mothers.
Criticism of Finnish authorities
The women also voiced dissatisfaction with their treatment in Finland. They criticised public speculation around the motives of fallen fighters, which they say has included unfounded claims about social or mental health issues.
“At least in the case of our sons, their decision was based on values,” one mother said.
“They went to defend all of Europe.”
They also criticised Finnish politicians for failing to acknowledge the role of volunteer fighters.
“It’s wrong that politicians proudly highlight all the support sent to Ukraine but never mention that volunteers are risking their lives too.”
Their strongest rebuke was directed at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which they claim offered no meaningful support after the initial notification of their sons’ 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.”
Jussi Tanner, the Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Consular Services, acknowledged the shortcomings.
“We never intended to minimise the experiences of the bereaved. Our aim has been to provide consistent and accurate information,” he told Yle.
In February, the Ministry published official guidance for those considering volunteering in Ukraine, which discourages participation but promises consular support when possible.
Debate Over Equipment and Recognition
Kirill Rinne, head of the Finland–Ukraine National Defence Association, has called on the Finnish state to provide proper equipment for Finnish volunteers heading to Ukraine.
“Finland is sending military aid worth billions. Why can’t 10,000 to 20,000 euros be used to ensure these volunteers have basic protective gear? It’s the government’s duty to protect its citizens,” Rinne said.
The government has repeatedly stated that military aid to Ukraine is coordinated through official international channels and that volunteer fighters act on personal initiative. As such, the state does not equip or manage them.
The Foreign Ministry reiterates this in its advisory.
“The Ministry for Foreign Affairs does not recommend or promote travel to Ukraine for voluntary military service but will assist Finns in Ukraine in accordance with consular law, where possible.”
Rinne expressed frustration that support for Finnish volunteers is left to NGOs. He believes returning fighters need proper care and recognition as veterans.
He has also negotiated with Ukrainian units to establish a specialised Finnish drone team to keep volunteers away from the most dangerous missions.
“But even that doesn’t guarantee survival,” Rinne said.
