United by a common goal – defending independence

On Ukrainian-Estonian relations today.

Today is a special day – the sixth month of resistance to the Russian occupiers and Ukraine’s Independence Day! Exactly 6 months ago, on 24 February, Russia attacked Ukraine!

It wanted to take away our independence and show the whole world that Ukraine as a state does not exist!

But today we celebrate this day, and the whole world knows who Ukraine is and where its place is on the world map! Today we have convinced everyone that Ukraine was, is and will be independent!

In his solemn address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said: “We are marking this day in different places. Some in trenches and dugouts, in tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, at sea and in the air, fighting for independence on the front line. Some on the road, in cars, trucks and trains, fighting for independence by delivering what is needed to those on the front line… We are marking this day in different circumstances, conditions and even time zones, but with one goal – preserving independence and Ukraine’s victory!”

I had the honour of celebrating Independence Day at the residence of the President of Estonia – Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn – with President Alar Karis, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia Mrs Mariana Betsa, the chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia Vladimir Palamar, Father Roman Kikh, pastor for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Estonia, and representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora.

The event began with the raising of the Ukrainian flag and the national anthem performed by the Ukrainian chamber choir “Khreshchatyk”.

Then came “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna”, now famous all over the world – not only in our native language but also in Estonian, and the President of Estonia sang along!

We are infinitely grateful to the Office of the President of Estonia, the Government and the whole Estonian people for this special respect for our Independence Day and for the opportunity to raise the Ukrainian flag in the heart of the Estonian capital!

Our peoples are now more united than ever in the fight against the Russian aggressor, and we will never forget the helping hand the Estonian people extended to us!

Happy Independence Day, my independent and great Ukraine!