On February 22, the Stand With Ukraine "United for Ukraine’s Victory" march took place in Tallinn. The event was organized by the Congress of Ukrainians in Estonia as part of the global initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress, marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The march began near the Ukrainian Cultural Center and proceeded through the streets of the Old Town to Freedom Square, where a rally was held.
The rally was opened by Vira Konyk, Head of the Congress of Ukrainians in Estonia. Maksym Kononenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, along with Embassy staff; Anatolii Liutiuk, founder of the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tallinn; Bohdan Liutiuk, head of the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tallinn; Andrus Sutt, member of the Estonia-Ukraine parliamentary group; as well as representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora and Estonian citizens participated in the event.
The rally participants expressed their support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, with their speeches concluding with the slogans: "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine!" "Glory to Ukraine!"
In his speech, Maksym Kononenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, stated:
«February 24 - the date that has brought us together today - holds truly symbolic significance for both Ukraine and Estonia. However, its meaning differs for each of us.
Our Estonian friends will be celebrating their national holiday - Estonia’s Independence Day. On this occasion, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and wish that the Estonian flag continues to fly proudly over Tall Hermann for many centuries to come! Peace and prosperity to you, dear Estonian friends!
Unfortunately, for Ukrainians, this date holds a different meaning. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of our land. Treacherously, deceitfully, and cynically, the Russian dictator Putin attempted to bring Ukraine to its knees within three days. But when we refused to surrender, he set out to destroy Ukrainian statehood and eradicate the Ukrainian nation.
Our struggle for freedom and independence has been ongoing for three years. Three long years of fierce resistance and defense of our homeland. During this time, we have witnessed extraordinary heroism, courage, and bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice… We have also seen countless deaths, pain, and bloodshed, destruction… We pull our family members and friends from the rubble, we bury our fallen soldiers and civilians, we rescue captives from enemy imprisonment, and we bring back deported children. And this has been our reality for three years.
…We stand strong with:
Faith in the Ukrainian state
Pride in our Ukrainian army
The unity of Ukrainian society in the face of any challenges
And the steadfast determination to end this war with Ukraine’s victory.»
The participants of the large-scale march held Ukrainian symbols and signs with the names of Ukrainian cities that are experiencing active combat and constant shelling - Avdiivka, Bakhmut, Popasna, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and others. They also chanted slogans: "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!"
And, of course, words of gratitude to our Estonian friends echoed through the crowd: "Elagu Eesti! Aitäh, Eesti!"