On 14 April, a concert by the Jazz Ensemble of the Ukrainian Navy Orchestra took place at the Estonian War Museum – General Laidoner Museum. The ensemble is part of the Center of Military Musical Art of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is based in Odesa.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia in partnership with the Cultural Partnership Foundation.

The ensemble continues a tradition that began in Sevastopol in 1993. Following the occupation of Crimea in 2014, part of the musicians relocated to Odesa, where they resumed their service, preserving and developing Ukraine’s military musical heritage.

The concert brought together members of the diplomatic corps, parliament, ministries, the Tallinn City Government, the business community, and the Ukrainian community, creating a truly diverse and engaged audience.

The programme featured Ukrainian songs in jazz arrangements alongside well-known international pieces. A particularly moving moment was the performance of the Ukrainian riflemen’s song “Oy u luzi chervona kalyna,” which, since the start of the full-scale war, has taken on new meaning and become a symbol of Ukrainian resilience, uniting people across the world.

During the event, Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia, Volodymyr Boiechko, emphasized that moments of unity like these remind us of the importance of supporting and protecting the lives of Ukrainian defenders.

In this context, he drew attention to the charitable initiative Allies of Steel, launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine together with the UNITED24 platform, which aims to equip Ukrainian servicemen and women with life-saving systems on the front line. An information banner about the initiative was displayed at the venue.

Yuliia Horodetska, a journalist, blogger, and volunteer with the Ukrainian Navy Orchestra, emphasized that since the start of the full-scale invasion, the musicians have taken on a special mission — performing for both civilians and servicemen, helping to sustain morale, including near the front line.

The ensemble also represents the Ukrainian Navy internationally, performing at official events, state visits, and concerts both in Ukraine and around the world.

Volodymyr Boiechko expressed his sincere gratitude to the Cultural Partnership Foundation and its Chairman, Meelis Kubits, for their continued support of Ukrainian cultural initiatives and for creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening.