Cybersecurity cooperation at the international and interregional levels

The 33rd meeting of the National Cybersecurity Cluster on “Cybersecurity cooperation at the international and interregional levels” was held in Chernivtsi. The event was organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine in cooperation with CRDF Global and with the support of Global Affairs Canada.

The event was attended by representatives of state authorities, international partners, donor organizations, and experts in the field of digital transformation. The event focused on improving cybersecurity at the interregional level within the framework of the Tallinn Mechanism international initiative.

The meeting was opened by Valeria Ionan, Advisor to the First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on Innovation, Digitalization, and Global Partnerships, who emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to developing cyber resilience and interacting with international partners.

"A digital state is impossible without cyber resilience—it's not just about security, but also about trust, stability, and the ability to scale innovation even during wartime. That is why international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity is a priority for us. A striking example is the Tallinn Mechanism: coordination between partners that systematically strengthens our cyber potential. We are building a new generation digital state not as a reaction, but as a breakthrough into the future. We are grateful to our partners who share our vision and values."

Natalia Tkachuk, Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and Secretary of the NCCK, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in strengthening Ukraine's cyber resilience: “Our goal is to join forces, develop effective response mechanisms, and ensure a unified vision and approach to protecting the digital space. Only through teamwork can cyber resilience be achieved.”

Participants in the meeting were also greeted by representatives of CRDF Global and the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration.

The first part of the event was devoted to reviewing the Tallinn Mechanism, an international initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen cyber defense and cyber resilience, as well as to develop Ukraine's civilian cyber capabilities through the systematic coordination of international assistance in this area.

The Tallinn Mechanism combines expert, technological, and educational support. As of July 2025, 12 countries have joined the initiative: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United States, France, Sweden, and Norway. The European Union, NATO, and the World Bank participate as official observers. The current chair countries are France and Sweden.

At the national level, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection are involved in the work of the Tallinn Mechanism. The recipients of the Tallinn Mechanism are central and local executive authorities, as well as state-owned critical infrastructure enterprises. Dozens of initiatives have already been implemented within its framework, ranging from cybersecurity assessments and training programs to equipment deliveries that play a key role in maintaining Ukraine's digital communications and resilience.

The purpose, functions, and practical results of the Tallinn Mechanism were discussed in presentations and discussions. Serhii Prokopenko, Head of the NCCK Operations Department, presented the current challenges in the field of cyber security and the role of the mechanism in overcoming them. Lauri Luht, Cyber Attaché of the Estonian Embassy in Ukraine, familiarized participants with the stages of creating the Tallinn Mechanism and its strategic priorities. The CDTO found the master class conducted by Ksenia Bulgakova, manager for donor and private sector relations at the Tallinn Mechanism Project Office (TMPO), particularly valuable, as it examined in detail the practical aspects of submitting projects for further consideration by donors. Issues related to updating the requirements for donor initiatives and their relevance to the real needs of local communities were also raised, and representatives of the Ternopil and Mykolaiv Regional State Administrations shared examples of successful cooperation with donors.

The second part of the event featured a panel discussion on “Successful experience of working with donors: problems and challenges, legal, technical, and political difficulties.” Participants discussed the challenges of coordinating technical assistance, the need to improve the regulatory framework, restrictions on the use of foreign equipment and software, and the security of information exchange with donors. Representatives of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, CRDF Global, the Tallinn Mechanism Project Office, and the State Service of Ukraine participated in the discussion.

The conversation continued with a series of thematic presentations on cooperation with other international initiatives in the field of cyber security. Representatives from Canada, France, Sweden, Estonia, and Ukraine discussed the role of international support in strengthening national cybersecurity, shared their experiences in implementing projects, and highlighted the latest challenges facing the digital infrastructure of the public sector. Valentin Kucheruk, CEO of Cyberlab, presented examples of effective cyber infrastructure management based on national experience.

The final stage of the event was a WarGame session prepared by the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Participants had the opportunity to practice crisis communication skills in conditions of destructive information influence. The simulation exercise considered scenarios related to information attacks against state institutions and modeled response options for information protection.

Such meetings strengthen horizontal ties between regions, deepen partnership with international donors, and contribute to the formation of a common vision of digital security at the national level. The Tallinn Mechanism continues to prove its effectiveness as a platform for coordinating efforts, strengthening cyber resilience, and building trust in Ukrainian institutions during this difficult period of armed aggression by the Russian Federation.