On February 21, 2024, on behalf of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia Maksym Kononenko awarded the Order "For Merit" of the II degree to
Ms Liis Lipre-Järma, Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister of Estonia, and Ms Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Estonia.
«Deeply symbolic," noted the Ambassador, "that this solemn event takes place on the eve of Estonia's national holiday – Independence Day, when all Estonians who fought for the freedom of their country, its statehood and independence are traditionally remembered. Therefore, we wish all the best to Estonia and our Estonian friends! Peace, prosperity, and and security for you and for future generations! Elagu Eesti!»
At the same time, the Ambassador reminded that two years ago, on February 24, 2022, the Kremlin regime launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, emphasizing that this act of unprovoked armed aggression requires determination and courage from us and the entire world's democratic community.
Russia currently has no intention of ceasing armed aggression, withdrawing its occupation troops from Ukraine, or pursuing diplomatic solutions. Putin continues to send thousands of men into battle, hoping to achieve at least some minor success ahead of his sham "elections" in March. Russia also continues to launch missile and drone strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
Estonia has proven its determination to help with deeds in 2022, is doing so now, and I am convinced will continue to do so in the future. Since the first days of a full-scale war Estonia has emerged as a crucial ally in Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression.
The Ambassador emphasized that behind every good deed, every help, or initiative to support Ukraine, there are specific people. These people realize that only together we will overcome any obstacles on the way to strengthening the independence of our states - Ukraine and Estonia. And so, they work day and night for our common victory.
«They sacrifice their health, their time and energy, the interests of their family for this cause. They are our guardian angels. Unfortunately, we cannot give back the time of unused vacations, days not spent with loved ones, or alleviate their burnout at work due to the frantic pace. But we can and must recognize their merits, honor their contribution, and publicly thank them for their sacrifices. This is precisely what President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, did, who recently decided to award Ms. Liis Lipre-Järma, Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Estonia, the State decorations of Ukraine.»
The Ambassador congratulated Ms. Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk and Ms. Liis Lipre-Järma on receiving high state awards from Ukraine: "The Estonian diplomatic service can be proud of your achievements, and the Ukrainian one can rejoice that we have such dedicated friends."