Official statement of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia on the blocking of its YouTube channel

Dear community,

We are addressing you regarding a situation that is of serious concern. Our YouTube channel was recently deleted, and this is already the second such case.

The first incident happened a year and a half ago. At that time, a complaint about our channel was submitted to YouTube, and because we did not see the notification in time and were unable to respond promptly, the channel was deleted.

The blocking of the channel caused us considerable damage: the Association's archive of many years of work was destroyed. We lost all the video material documenting our work, and only over time were we able to partially restore our presence by creating a new channel called "Home of Friends".

Today the situation is repeating itself.

We have no reliable information about who is behind these actions. We do not intend to make public accusations without legally confirmed facts. At the same time, the repetition of such actions gives grounds to assume that these may be deliberate steps aimed at undermining the Association's work. We understand this very well and are drawing our own conclusions!

Both then and now, the YouTube channel operated within the law, and we did not violate anyone's rights or ethical standards.

It is particularly telling that this is happening right now – during active preparations for one of the largest events of Ukrainian-Estonian cultural cooperation – the festival "Vyshyvanka Unites – Rahvustikand ühendab" smART fest 2026. A project eagerly awaited by Ukrainians in Estonia that has become a symbol of unity and mutual support between our two nations.

We wish to emphasise the following:

The Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia has always worked and continues to work openly, bringing together dozens of organisations, volunteers and initiatives!

Our work is years of systematic effort aimed at supporting Ukrainians in Estonia, preserving culture, developing cultural diplomacy and helping Ukraine. Behind every project are people who work for free, giving their time and energy. And we have always stressed the importance of the contribution of everyone who joins our common cause.

That is why any actions that lead to the destruction of the results of this work or undermine trust in it are of deep concern.

We appeal to everyone:

At a time when Ukraine continues to fight for its independence, it is extremely important to preserve unity, mutual respect and responsibility for the common space we are building together.

We respect different views. Criticism is normal. But the deliberate destruction of shared institutions and platforms that work for people is a path to weakening the whole community.

We are open to dialogue, constructive criticism and cooperation with everyone who truly wants the Ukrainian community in Estonia to develop.

We will keep working – despite any attempts at pressure or discreditation. To those who hoped that the blocking would stop our work, we say plainly: it had the opposite effect!

We have already created a new YouTube channel – "Home of Friends of Ukraine" – and ask you to support us: the link to our new page is in the first comment

Please subscribe to the channel, click the bell and invite your friends to subscribe too.

Today every subscription is not just a click. It is support for the Ukrainian voice in Estonia. It is an answer to those who wanted to weaken us.

We call for unity, for joining forces, for supporting one another and for responsibility for one's actions and public statements.

Our strength is in cooperation, not confrontation.

Our answer is not conflict, but even more work!

Thank you to everyone who stands with us
Respectfully,
The Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia