On April 24 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine hosted the seventh meeting of the Tallinn Mechanism Coordination Group with Ukraine. The session focused on current cybersecurity challenges and the coordination of international efforts to counter ongoing cyber threats, strengthen cyber resilience, and build a secure digital environment.
The meeting brought together representatives of TM participating countries and Ukrainian government institutions, including the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center under the National Security and Defense Council, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the National Police of Ukraine.
“The world’s response to Russian aggression will define global security and economic architecture for many decades to come. In today’s interconnected digital world, where cyber threats know no borders, we can only achieve sustainable and timely outcomes through coordinated efforts, capacity building, mutual learning, experience sharing, public-private partnerships and joint initiatives,” emphasized Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in his address to the participants of the meeting, voiced by Anton Demokhin, Deputy Foreign Minister, Chief Digital Transformation Officer.
The meeting focused on the nature and scale of current cyber threats and Ukraine’s response mechanisms. Participants discussed the implementation status of various projects aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s cyber capacity in the civilian sphere, as well as the involvement of the private IT sector in TM-related initiatives. The participants also endorsed key principles and set priorities for future cooperation under the Tallinn Mechanism.
“Cyberspace remains a critical element in countering Russian aggression. That is why one of our key priorities is further development of cybersecurity infrastructure – launching new projects and expanding protection systems. This will strengthen our resilience not only at the state level but also regionally,” stated Oleksandr Potii, Deputy Head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine.
Tanel Sepp, Estonia’s Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy, Director General of the Digital and Cyber Diplomacy Department added: “Cyber threats don’t have national borders. Estonia was one of the first countries to face massive cyberattacks from Russia. That’s why we fully support Ukraine and are committed to helping it resist aggression in cyberspace. Sustained international collaboration under the Tallinn Mechanism is essential to counter evolving cyber risks and secure a safer digital future for Ukraine, Europe, and the world”.
The Tallinn Mechanism has become a model for effective international coordination in cybersecurity. Its efforts include systematic assessments of Ukraine’s cyber defense needs, continuous engagement and support from partner countries, the supply of equipment and technological solutions to enhance resilience, and training programs for Ukrainian specialists. Currently, mechanisms for deeper engagement of the private sector in joint TM projects are also being developed.
To date, dozens of initiatives have been implemented under the Tallinn Mechanism, including cybersecurity assessments, training programs, and the provision of Starlink terminals which play a key role in maintaining Ukraine’s digital resilience.
“Today, Ukraine stands on the front line of the most technologically advanced war in the world. In these conditions, the Tallinn Mechanism has become a model of coordinated international support that strengthens our cyber resilience. We highly value this partnership, which helps us respond to threats and build a secure digital environment for Ukraine and the entire democratic world,” said Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for European Integration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
Anton Demokhin also expressed gratitude to Estonia for its dedicated leadership and contribution to enhancing the platform as well as thanked all TM participating countries for announced contributions and continued support of projects aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-term cyber resilience.
During the meeting, the TM chairmanship was handed over from Estonia to Sweden and France.
Background: The Tallinn Mechanism was established in December 2023 to coordinate international assistance aimed at supporting Ukraine’s national cybersecurity and cyber resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, and preventing Russian cyberattacks.