Estonia to support development of digital services for Ukrainian veterans through NATO

The memorandum, which was signed in Gdańsk, Poland, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, supports the development of new digital tools for Ukrainian veterans and the creation of a secure and resilient IT infrastructure. The initiative is supported by NATO within the framework of the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. 

According to ESTDEV’s executive director, Andrea Kivi, Estonia's experience as a digital state provides valuable support in strengthening Ukrainian institutions. 

"The situation of Ukrainian veterans is one of the country's greatest challenges. Estonia and ESTDEV are focused on helping ensure that Ukrainian veterans and their families have simple, secure and dignified access to the services they need," said Kivi. "Estonia's experience in building a digital society enables us to share practical knowledge and support the development of sustainable solutions even in the most challenging circumstances." 

According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, investing in Ukraine's digital infrastructure is an important part of Estonia's development cooperation policy. 

"At a time when Russia continues to attack Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including its digital infrastructure, strengthening cyber and digital capabilities remains one of the key priorities of our development cooperation," said Tsahkna. 

Estona has actively contributed to increasing the resilience of Ukraine's digital infrastructure and communication systems through both the IT Coalition and the strengthening of civilian cyber infrastructure under the Tallinn Mechanism. 

The memorandum signed today will improve access to digital services for veterans, supporting their daily lives and helping ensure that vital information and assistance reach them more quickly and effectively. 

The cooperation also includes strengthening the cyber resilience of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs' information systems and supporting the implementation of international cybersecurity standards. In addition, efforts will be made to develop the ministry's internal capabilities to ensure the sustainable implementation of these changes. 

Photo: The MOU was signed by Executive Director of ESTDEV Andrea Kivi and  Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Shymanskyi.