Congratulations to the defenders of Ukraine!

Today is a special day for all Ukrainians. We honour our defenders – those who hold Ukraine's sky and land every day and those who for centuries fought for the Ukrainian people's right to freedom.

On 1 October Ukrainians mark the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, as well as the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks and the anniversary of the founding of the UPA. All these dates echo each other, because defending our native land is our eternal duty and the legacy of generations. We remember the heroes of the past – the Cossacks, the UPA fighters, the veterans who fought for Ukraine's independence in the 20th century. And we bow before today's heroes – the men and women who are defending Ukraine from the Russian invasion. They stand between us and the horrors of Russian crimes. They protect our lives, our freedom and our future – often at the cost of their own lives.

The brutal war has been going on for 1,316 days. The enemy wants to take from us what is most precious – life, freedom, our identity. But thanks to you, Ukraine stands and fights. Thanks to you, we believe in Victory.

On behalf of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia, we thank all defenders, medics, volunteers and everyone who is bringing Victory closer. We, Ukrainians in Estonia, feel a shared responsibility: Russia must be stopped in Ukraine so that it does not have to be stopped in Estonia or anywhere else in Europe. Because today our defenders are protecting not only Ukraine – they are protecting the future of the entire European community.

We will always remember every soldier who gave their life for Ukraine's freedom. It is a pain we carry in our hearts, and we will never forgive Russia, which is killing our finest daughters and sons.

May the Protection of the Mother of God guard all those who are on the front line now.

Heroes never die! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!