On 22 February, the March “For Your and Our Freedom” took place in Tallinn. The event was organised by the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia as part of the global initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This year’s slogan was: “Protect Future Generations.”

The march began at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre and proceeded through the streets of the Old Town to Freedom Square.

Participants chanted: “Glory to Ukraine!”, “Stand with Ukraine!”, “Protect Future Generations,” “Return the Children Deported by Russia,” “Nothing About Ukraine Without Ukraine!”, and «Elagu Eesti! Aitäh, Eesti!», among other slogans.

The participants paused in front of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tallinn, where they performed the National Anthem of Ukraine.

A rally was held at Freedom Square and was opened by Ms Vira Konyk, President of the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia.

The event was attended by Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Mr Volodymyr Boiechko, together with members of the Embassy staff; the Minister of Defence of Estonia, Mr Hanno Pevkur; the founder of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Tallinn, Mr Anatoli Ljutjuk; representatives of the Ukrainian community; and Estonian friends of Ukraine.

In his address, Ambassador Volodymyr Boiechko underscored the significance of the event:

“Thousands of Ukrainian children remain in the temporarily occupied territories or have been unlawfully deported to Russia. They are subjected to forced Russification, militarisation, and psychological pressure. This is not merely a war crime — it is a deliberate attempt to deprive Ukraine of its future.

Since 2022, within the framework of the President of Ukraine’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA, more than two thousand Ukrainian children have been returned home. Behind every number lies an individual story, a distinct fate, and a family awaiting reunion.”

The Ambassador also congratulated Estonia and the Estonian people on Independence Day: “Allow me to take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to the Estonian people on Independence Day. I wish that the blue, black, and white flag will proudly fly over Long Hermann for many centuries to come.”

The Minister of Defence of Estonia, Mr Hanno Pevkur, emphasised that the Estonian and Ukrainian peoples have consciously chosen freedom and assured Ukraine and its people:

“Estonia will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.”

Ms Vira Konyk also announced the joining of the global campaign “People as the Top Priority,” which aims to emphasise that the primary priority of any peace negotiations must be the release of people — prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians, political prisoners — as well as the immediate return of deported Ukrainian children.