“From the Heart to Ukraine”: a thank-you evening at Alatskivi Castle

On 6 November 2026, the historic Alatskivi Castle in Peipsiääre rural municipality, Tartu County, hosted “Südamest Ukrainale – tänuga teile!” (“From the Heart to Ukraine – with Gratitude to You!”), a thank-you evening for Ukraine’s friends and supporters.

It was more than a formal gathering: it was a chance to get to know the people who have supported Ukraine consistently for years, collecting humanitarian aid, organising its delivery and repeatedly travelling to Ukraine themselves on aid missions.

I was deeply moved to see how many sincere and caring people live in small Estonian communities. Behind every delivery of aid are personal stories, time, personal money and the enormous work of volunteers.

Respect for Ukraine’s defenders is the foundation of our friendship

A particularly moving moment of the evening was the speech by Siim Nellis, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Tartu and founder of the Estonian sauna heater company HUUM. He opened with a minute of silence in honour of the Ukrainian soldiers defending Ukraine, its independence and the freedom of all of Europe.

Together with Peeter Kiuru and other members of the local community, he presented just a small part of the letters of thanks received from Ukrainian military units and communities. Behind them are thousands of kilometres of aid routes, funds raised, vehicles, equipment and much more. It is especially valuable that this support is not limited to one-off campaigns: people have stood by Ukraine for years.

I never tire of thanking Estonians and all of Estonia. A small country, a small nation, but an extraordinarily big and kind heart!

Peipsiääre – a land of the lake, history and enterprising people

The trip was an opportunity to learn not only about the volunteer movement but also about the region itself: its history, local government, social infrastructure and economic potential.

Peipsiääre rural municipality lies on the shore of Lake Peipus. Estonian, Russian-speaking and Old Believer traditions meet here, along with a long history of fishing, farming and local crafts. More than 5,000 people live in the municipality, which covers about 650 km² and includes the town of Kallaste, several small boroughs and dozens of villages. It is sparsely populated but rich in natural, cultural and tourism resources.

A little history: Alatskivi and its castle

Alatskivi manor was first mentioned in 1601. Its main building, Alatskivi Castle, was built in 1880–1885 on the initiative of the manor’s owner, Arved von Nolcken, and modelled on Balmoral, the Scottish royal castle. It is one of the most remarkable neo-Gothic castles in Estonia. After extensive restoration, the castle has been open to visitors since 2011 and houses museum exhibitions, a tourist centre and a restaurant, as well as hosting conferences, cultural events and receptions.

Local government and European investment

During the visit I also called at the Peipsiääre rural municipality government and learned how local government works there. Another part of the programme was the Alatskivi health centre, where family doctors see patients. I was shown how completed projects and European funding have created modern healthcare infrastructure for local residents.

It is a good example of how European investment, sound planning and the work of local authorities directly improve quality of life, even in small communities. Such examples deserve the attention of Ukrainian communities that are rebuilding their infrastructure today.

Economic potential and opportunities for cooperation

The local economy has traditionally been based on fishing, farming, forestry, trade and small-scale production. At the same time, the municipality has potential in tourism and hospitality, fish and local food processing, woodworking, crafts, agriculture and international partnerships. The Sibulatee (“Onion Route”) tourist trail, which brings together local businesses, producers, craftspeople and attractions, deserves particular attention.

In my view, there are good opportunities here for cooperation with Ukrainian entrepreneurs, especially in food production, tourism, processing, trade and cultural projects.

Ukrainians in Peipsiääre

After the start of russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainians also found refuge in Peipsiääre. It was good to hear how local residents help them adapt and find their place in the community.

I was especially impressed by the Alatskivi Mõisa Tall tavern, where guests can be served in Ukrainian. There I tasted delicious fish from Lake Peipus, offered by Viktoriia Trubinova. Being able to hear your native language helps people adapt faster and stay connected to their culture.

Ukrainian song in an Estonian castle

During the official part of the evening, Ukrainian songs were performed by the Ukrainian-Estonian singing circle “Nadiia” from Tartu. The official programme was followed by a reception and an impromptu concert at the castle.

I thank the owners and staff of Alatskivi Castle for their warm welcome, the interesting tour and their hospitality. I warmly recommend this place to anyone travelling in Estonia.

New contacts – new business opportunities

As the representative of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Estonia, I presented Honorary Consul Siim Nellis with a copy of Business Woman magazine. Today, while Ukrainian men defend their country at the front, women entrepreneurs play a huge role in Ukraine’s economy: they run companies, create jobs and represent Ukraine around the world. I am convinced that introducing Estonian entrepreneurs to Ukrainian businesswomen can be the start of interesting and mutually beneficial contacts.

In return, I received a bottle of wine from the local producer Alatskivi Maitsed. Thank you, Külli Must, for this heartfelt gift.

Gratitude to people who do not stay indifferent

The most valuable thing I took away from the evening was a sense of people’s sincerity. Behind international support for Ukraine, government decisions and diplomacy stand ordinary people who collect aid after work, organise trips, donate their own money and expect nothing in return. It is thanks to such people that Ukrainians know they are not alone.

My sincere thanks to Peeter Kiuru, Siim Nellis, the organisers, Peipsiääre rural municipality, the “Nadiia” singing circle, local businesses, volunteers and everyone who supports Ukraine. Special thanks to Peipsiääre Valla Kultuuri- ja Vabaajakeskus for organising the evening.

I am convinced that meetings like this will lead not only to new humanitarian initiatives but also to joint cultural, civic, educational and economic projects.

Slava Ukraini!

Photo gallery: 06.11.2026. Thank-you evening for Ukraine’s supporters at Alatskivi Castle (38 photos).

Volodymyr Palamar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia, representative of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Estonia