Screening of "Zhytomyr Region in the Struggle: 1000 Days of the Great War"

On 25 February, Kino Sõprus hosted a screening of "Zhytomyr Region in the Struggle: 1000 Days of the Great War" as part of the Ukrainian Film Club in Estonia / Ukraina kinoklubi Eestis, marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the 107th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Estonia.

The event brought together many film club regulars and distinguished guests: senior Estonian officials including Minister of Social Affairs Signe Riisalo, Minister of Health Riina Sikkut, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu, diplomat and Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine (2019–2023) Kaimo Kuusk, Chair of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, as well as other Estonian officials and parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps!

A delegation from the Zhytomyr region also attended, including Olena Verbylo – widow of Oleksandr Verbylo, the fallen commander of the 138th Battalion of the 115th Territorial Defence Brigade – Svitlana Prykhodko (Brusyliv community, Zhytomyr region) and Ivan Korud (Mayor of Ovruch)!

The event opened with the vocal and choreographic piece "Let's Sing a Song for Ukraine" performed by the Ukrainian song and dance group "Volya", followed by the national anthems of Ukraine and Estonia performed by Denis Priimagi and Kateryna Chalova, head of the "Volia" ensemble's vocal group – a vivid expression of unity and friendship between the Ukrainian and Estonian peoples.

The hosts, Inna Hordiienko and Denis Priimagi, welcomed all the guests and stressed that during these three tragic years the Ukrainian people have not only refused to give up, but have rallied the whole democratic world around them!

"Three years of grief and terrible losses, three years of unity and resilience, three years of powerful support for Ukraine from our partners, including Estonia and the Estonian people! It is symbolic that on 24 February Estonia celebrated its Independence Day. And we continue to fight for ours now, and the Estonian people help us in this fight like no one else! Together we continue to resist Russian aggression and defend the principles of democracy," said the Association's PR director Inna Hordiienko.

Association chairman Volodymyr Palamar thanked the Estonian people for their tireless support for Ukraine and noted that Estonia has been and remains one of Ukraine's strongest partners, our greatest ally and advocate in the European Union on humanitarian and military aid.

"Eleven years ago, at the very start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014, my late friend, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Johannes Kert, said these words: the tree of liberty is always watered with blood… At the time I may not have understood these words very deeply. But today they are prophetic for Ukraine. We are defending our freedom at the cost of the lives of Ukraine's best daughters and sons. We will never forgive Russia for what it has done on our land and for taking thousands of our citizens' lives. Let us together honour the memory of all those killed as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine and all who gave their lives defending our country"

After a minute of silence, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia Maksym Kononenko gave a speech: "I am sure this film will convey not only the suffering and trials that befell the Zhytomyr region, but also the resilience of its people, their faith in victory and the strength of true friendship between our peoples. This film reminds us: even in the darkest times there is light. Even amid destruction there is hope. Even after the greatest losses we will rebuild – because our struggle is a struggle for life. And when one day this war ends with our victory, we will gather again – this time in a peaceful Ukraine – to thank everyone who helped us endure, and to rebuild our beautiful country together"!

Speeches were also given by Estonian Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo and Chair of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson. They have visited Ukraine many times, spoken with its people in person and seen the consequences of the war with their own eyes. In their speeches they shared deeply emotional impressions of meeting people who, despite the hardships, keep their faith in the future and continue to fight for freedom. They expressed sincere admiration for the courage of Ukrainians and assured them of their continued support.

After the screening, the film's producer Vira Serdechkina and people featured in the film, including former Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu and representatives of communities of the Zhytomyr region, shared their emotions with the audience.

They sincerely thanked the Estonian people for their unwavering support for Ukraine and its defenders. Their words moved the audience, and the hall responded with long applause, expressing support and solidarity.
And we thank everyone who came to the screening and everyone involved in organising it: the interpreters, the hosts, the song and dance ensemble "Volia", Member of the Verkhovna Rada and head of the parliamentary group for inter-parliamentary relations with the Republic of Estonia Arsenii Pushkarenko, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia, Kino Sõprus and the event's media partner, radio Druzi.ee.

Thanks to Jana Kot for the photos. More photos can be seen via this link.