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Merle Maigre presenting a publication on protection critical infrastructure

Ukraine strengthens critical infrastructure protection with international expertise

In today’s hybrid warfare environment, Ukraine’s critical infrastructure needs advanced strategies to protect it against threats in both the physical and cyber domains. The conference Strengthening the Resilience of Ukraine’s Critical Infrastructure: Strategic Ideas and International Best Practices brought together leading Ukrainian and European experts to exchange experience and present the Compendium of Best International Practices for Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Oleksandr Potii, Head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, opened the conference. “This is a great opportunity to share best practices that will be useful for both Ukraine and our partners. After all, we are doing a common cause and forming a single European space that is resistant to multi-vector threats,” he said.

 

Merle Maigre, Head of the Cybersecurity Competence Centre at eGA, stressed: “The outcome of the war in Ukraine will shape the long-term security of the entire European continent. By strengthening the critical infrastructure resilience in Ukraine, we strengthen the resilience of the entire Europe. Ensuring critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity readiness requires more than just policy—it demands training and practical knowledge.

 

Development Initiatives, Reconstruction and Cyber Security Cooperation Counsellor at Estonian Embassy in Ukraine Lauri Luht emphasised: “Estonia is committed to supporting Ukraine in every way we can. Together, we improve cybersecurity and digital resilience, as well as crisis prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms within Ukrainian institutions.”

 

The main topics discussed at the event included:

  • Current state and challenges of critical infrastructure protection in Ukraine.
  • European approaches to crisis management and national resilience.
  • Experience in creating crisis response systems and situation centres.
  • Practical recommendations for the implementation of European critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity directives.
  • Training courses and materials on critical infrastructure protection  for Ukrainian professionals

The conference showcased the best European practices in critical infrastructure protection, drawing on the experience of Estonia, Poland, Finland, and other countries. Participants explored how these strategies could be applied in Ukraine, identified priorities for collaboration, and discussed ways to enhance resilience at every level of society and government.

During the conference, Mari Tomingas-Sibul, a cybersecurity expert from e-Governance Academy provided an overview of the cybersecurity readiness project for Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. She informed that within the Project eGA plans to roll out a series of 13 training sessions—combining onsite and online sessions for over 300 cybersecurity experts. This training will address Ukraine’s recent regulatory changes, enhance participants’ capabilities to tackle novel challenges and deliver insights into cutting-edge European and global best practices. These trainings will empower authorities and infrastructure operators, ensuring they’re equipped to safeguard Ukraine’s digital resilience effectively.

Vasyl Ananyev from the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) outlined the current landscape and challenges in infrastructure protection. Erkki Tori, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Estonia, shared Estonia’s approach to building a national resilience framework. Tomasz Szatkowski, Adviser to the President of Poland, presented insights on how Poland’s crisis management system has evolved based on recent crises. Taimar Peterkop, a cybersecurity expert from the e-Governance Academy, spoke about Estonia’s Situation Centre as a central hub for rapid crisis response. Oleh Tretiakov from Kyiv Aviation Institute introduced a new training course and educational materials on critical infrastructure protection. Finally, Valerii Novak from SSSCIP discussed the next steps to integrate this course into Ukraine’s education and training system.

The event was organised by the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine jointly with the e-Governance Academy, with the support of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the Government of the United States.