Ukraine’s Ambassador Mykhailo Vydoinyk visited Hämeenlinna
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Finland, Mykhailo Vydoinyk, visited Hämeenlinna with his delegation on 1 September 2026. During the visit, the Ambassador met with Chief Executive Olli-Poika Parviainen and Regional Mayor Toni K. Laine. The meeting covered current regional affairs, cooperation in the business sector, and general cooperation between Finland and Ukraine.
During the visit, the Ambassador, together with the Chief Executive and the Regional Mayor, also toured Patria’s factory in Hämeenlinna. The programme also included a visit to the Hämeenlinna Ukraine Centre, run by the volunteer organisation Autamme ukrainalaisia ry.
Twin city cooperation focuses on supporting Ukrainians
Hämeenlinna has close ties with Ukraine, particularly with its twin city Sumy. The twin city agreement between Hämeenlinna and Sumy was signed in 2024. Cooperation between the two cities has focused on supporting Ukrainians amid the exceptional circumstances caused by Russia’s war of aggression. The experience gained in Sumy in operating under emergency conditions can also be used in Hämeenlinna’s own preparedness planning. Hämeenlinna wants to do its part to show solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens, and to support the country’s efforts to overcome the enormous challenges caused by the war.
Hämeenlinna has been assisting Sumy for several years in cooperation with their shared German twin city, Celle. During this cooperation, aid has been delivered to Ukraine, particularly in the form of relief trucks. Shipments have been assembled and sent from Celle to Sumy, helping to meet needs caused by the war and to support local residents.
Hämeenlinna will continue to support Ukraine in the future
During 2026, Hämeenlinna has supported Ukraine by taking part in donating equipment and hospital supplies from the former Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, including to the Sumy region. In August, the city also organised a camp for children arriving from Sumy, giving them a chance to spend time away from everyday life in Ukraine and to get acquainted with Hämeenlinna’s nature and culture.
Hämeenlinna will continue to take part in relief efforts through the end of 2026. The city has already decided to allocate €25,000 to organising material transports from Celle to Sumy. This support will help ensure that essential equipment and supplies reach their twin city. Other urgent needs and questions, as well as ways to address them, were also discussed.
According to Chief Executive Parviainen, Hämeenlinna is committed to continuing its cooperation and supporting Ukrainians in the future as well.
“Russia’s illegal war of aggression shows no signs of easing — on the contrary, many indications suggest that the coming months will also be very challenging,” says Parviainen.
“The Ukrainian Ambassador’s visit to Hämeenlinna was a rewarding and valuable experience for the city. We gained a clear picture of the current situation and had the chance to discuss opportunities to expand our cooperation into new areas for the benefit of both parties,” Parviainen continues.