CRDF Global Chosen to Implement Major Cyber Resilience Initiatives in Ukraine through Tallinn Mechanism

As part of its sustained support of Ukraine’s digital security, Canada recently announced its allocation of CAD 3 million towards large-scale projects to strengthen Ukraine’s cyber defense under the Tallinn Mechanism and selected CRDF Global to implement these initiatives on its behalf.

“CRDF Global is proud to partner with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Ukrainian government to deliver meaningful projects under the Tallinn Mechanism,” said Mykhailo Verych who serves as the Regional Director of CRDF Global’s Europe and Eurasia Hub. “This collaboration is crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s long-term cyber resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the continuity of essential digital services in the face of ongoing cyber threats. By uniting our expertise and resources, we are building a stronger, more secure digital future for Ukraine and its citizens,” he continued.

The Tallinn Mechanism was established in 2023 to coordinate international support of Ukraine’s cyber defenses and is currently composed of 11 member states. With the generous allocation of GAC funds, CRDF Global will focus on protecting critical infrastructure; strengthening systematic preparedness against cyber threats; delivering coordinated training and equipment; fostering strategic partnerships with international donors and private sector actors; and developing robust systems to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. Six projects have already been selected for financing over the next two years, including initiatives supporting the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

“Canada stands with Ukraine across multiple spheres, including cybersecurity,” said Global Affairs Canada. “In times of war, access to digital public services and the stable operation of critical and civil infrastructure are essential. We believe that Canada’s support under the Tallinn Mechanism is not only a timely response to current challenges, but also a meaningful investment in Ukraine’s long-term digital resilience and sustainable development.”

“Canada’s support is a strong signal of trust and a testament to Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the international community,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine — Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. “Through the Tallinn Mechanism, we gain concrete capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, counter cyber threats, and strengthen our digital security framework. I sincerely appreciate our partners for their practical, coordinated efforts that contribute to building Ukraine’s cyber resilience — a system that protects the state, the private sector, and every citizen.”

“Cyber resilience is the foundation of Ukraine’s national security in the context of the most technologically advanced war of our time,” mentioned Valeriya Ionan, Advisor to the First Vice Prime Minister — Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on Innovations, Digitalisation, and Global Partnerships. “Canada’s support through the Tallinn Mechanism is a strategically important step that strengthens our ability to counter cyber threats, protect civilian infrastructure, and ensure the continuity of digital processes. We are grateful to our Canadian partners for their trust, support, and significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s cyber resilience.”

The recent allocation of support is only the latest in Canada’s sustained support of Ukraine, which also includes training sessions and events aimed at strengthening cooperation with international donors in the field of cybersecurity. The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center and CRDF Global, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, hosted the Ukrainian National Cybersecurity Cluster to raise awareness among Ukrainian authorities as well as state-owned critical infrastructure enterprises about the opportunities offered by the Tallinn Mechanism and to align international initiatives with Ukraine’s current needs.

“Cyber threats know no borders, which makes it crucial for Ukraine to combine both international and regional expertise, said Nataliya Tkachuk, Head of the Information and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and Secretary of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, at the National Cybersecurity Cluster. Our strength lies in the ability to unite partners around a shared goal — building cyber resilience in Ukraine.”