Narva. A Ukrainian living room that feels like home

14 October 2026

During his trip to Narva for the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine, Vladimir Palamar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia, visited the Ukrainian community association “Rodyna”. It was a warm meeting — with a heartfelt conversation, a Ukrainian song and the feeling of being at home for a few hours.

In the community room, the women were busy with handicrafts, making protective charms for the home. Their work combines Ukrainian traditions with Estonian motifs. These small objects hold the stories of people, their families and two cultures that have grown close.

Many of these women came to Estonia decades ago. Many of them are married to Estonians. Their families are here, and much of their lives has been spent here. They have become part of Estonian society while preserving their Ukrainian roots, language, songs and customs.

Integrated, but not assimilated. It is a good example of how one can be devoted to the country one lives in, respect its language and culture, and at the same time cherish one’s own. These things do not contradict each other.

Narva is an old border town whose history has intertwined different cultures. Life near the border has its own particularities, and the Ukrainian community here faces its own challenges. That is why it is especially important to stay in touch, hear each other’s needs and not leave communities alone with their problems.

The meeting touched on the present day, difficulties and opportunities for cooperation; on sharing information, the unity of Ukrainians and the views of different generations. Life experience may differ, but that should not stop people from talking, listening to each other and working together.

As Adviser to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Estonia, Vladimir Palamar also spoke about the work of the Ukrainian Ombudsman. It is important that Ukrainians, whatever town they live in, know how their rights can be protected and are not left alone with their concerns.

The sides agreed to keep in touch, share news and look for opportunities to cooperate. The community was invited to join major Ukrainian events in Tallinn — people need to meet more often, not only to discuss problems but also to do good things together.

And they sang a Ukrainian song together. Vladimir Palamar’s friend Kalev Naur, who accompanied him, was pleasantly surprised by Ukrainian hospitality. Indeed, such an atmosphere cannot be created by protocol — it is born where guests are sincerely welcome.

Special thanks go to Svitlana Sliuzova, Svitlana Vorona and Tamara Husarova, who also attended the official opening of the consulate, and to Halyna Teslenko, Svitlana Bench, Valentyna Shkuro and Liudmyla Liakunova, whom we met at the community.

Dear ladies, thank you for your hospitality, the open conversation and the warmth of the Ukrainian living room — and for keeping our traditions alive not only in memories but in everyday life: in handicrafts, song, togetherness and care for the community.

We thank the whole “Rodyna” community for this meeting. Let us cherish what is ours, respect Estonia, which has become our home, and stay together. Until we meet again!