Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, took part in the graduation ceremony at the Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences. Among the graduates were Ukrainian students who began their studies in September 2022.
The Ambassador congratulated the graduates and noted that it was a great honour and a true pleasure for him to share this moment with them and to acknowledge their achievements.
Furthermore, in his address, he drew attention to the current situation in Ukraine:
«And today is such a day. Two events are unfolding - very different, yet deeply connected.
The first is tragic. Last night, Ukraine endured another massive wave of Russian airstrikes. Kamikaze drones struck several cities, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Sumy. The worst destruction occurred in Odesa, where a four-story building was destroyed and large fires broke out. Civilians have been killed. Dozens have been injured. Rescue teams continue to search through the rubble for survivors.
The second event is happening right here. Today, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences completes the training of Ukrainian nurses who began their studies in 2022. Thanks to this training, these nurses will now be able to save thousands of lives, help people heal, recover, and find strength again.
The contrast between these two realities could not be more striking. One side seeks to make Russia "great again" by killing civilians and destroying homes. The other side — Estonia — builds, heals, and gives people hope. It may be a small country in size, but in spirit and action, it is truly great.
It’s all very simple. There is nothing more precious than human life, nothing more important than people’s happiness, and nothing more noble than the act of creation. These are the values shared by democratic and civilized nations.
But Estonia doesn’t just share these values — it puts them into action. Systematically. Consistently. Through projects in and for Ukraine — rebuilding what has been lost, supporting new infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and helping our resilience grow through education and training.»
The Ambassador thanked Rector Ülle Ernits and her entire team, noting that at the Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences, they are truly dedicated to their mission - putting their hearts into every project and guiding it from the initial idea to full implementation.
We extend our best wishes to the graduates for future achievements, professional advancement, and steadfast belief in themselves. The knowledge and skills they have acquired, multiplied by their humanity and dedication, will undoubtedly contribute to a better future - for Ukraine and beyond.