On 2 April, Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia, Volodymyr Boiechko, paid a regional visit to Tartu.

As part of the visit, a meeting was held with Mayor of the city, Urmas Klaas, during which practical areas of cooperation between local self-government authorities of Ukraine and Estonia were discussed, in particular in the fields of crisis management, digitalisation, education, culture, and the exchange of experience on issues relevant to both Ukrainian and Estonian regions, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

The parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation both at the level of local self-government authorities and through intercity contacts, in particular with the city of Lviv, as well as in the implementation of new joint initiatives.

Against the backdrop of ongoing large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, the interlocutors also discussed the possibility of strengthening energy assistance to Ukraine.

For his part, the Mayor of Tartu informed about the implementation of initiatives aimed at creating appropriate conditions for the stay and integration of Ukrainian citizens in the city.

Agreements were reached on the organization of summer recreational activities for Ukrainian children affected by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

During the visit, the Ambassador also met with the prospective Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Estonia, Head of the company Huum, Siim Nellis, during which organizational aspects of the preparations for the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Tartu were discussed.

Particular attention was paid to the importance of providing support to Ukrainian citizens residing within the consular district through the implementation of social and humanitarian projects, as well as the organization of cultural, artistic, and economic events aimed at strengthening Ukrainian-Estonian relations.

Siim Nellis also provided a detailed overview of the support that Huum is extending to the Defence Forces of Ukraine.