On September 27, 2024, the exhibition ‘’In Defense of Freedom: Estonian Civil Society in the Russo-Ukrainian War’’ was opened at the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, organized with the support of the Ministry of Defense of Estonia, the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia, and Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR).

At the event, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, delivered a speech, in which he stated: ‘’Civil society is the nervous system of a democratic state. It feels twice as much and acts three times faster. The mobilization of Estonian society to help Ukraine from the very first moments of aggression is phenomenal. No one can count the amount of weapons, equipment, and protection sent to the front by Estonian volunteers; no one can calculate the amount of humanitarian aid provided; no one can give an accurate assessment of how many Ukrainian war refugees have found shelter, care, and work in Estonia.

Yes, there are numbers, but do they reflect the true picture? I feel that this is just the tip of the iceberg because no statistics can capture the noble impulse of an entire nation.’’

The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to see how Estonian civil society and the state have contributed to supporting Ukraine and defending freedom.

In Estonia, it is understood that Ukraine's struggle is also a fight for their own freedom. It is a battle for the freedom of this entire region of the world, which Russia views as its sphere of interest rather than as independent states. The brutality, rape, torture, and executions by Russian forces have shocked the world and compelled people to take action.

The exhibition highlights the role of civil society organizations and the state in assisting Ukraine and opens the door to close cooperation between Estonia and Ukraine. Visitors will learn how the Estonian people supported the education of Ukrainian children, provided medical assistance, facilitated the procurement of weapons, and more. Additionally, the exhibition reflects how Estonian civil society itself has changed as a result of supporting Ukraine.

Thank you to Vabamu and its CEO Ivo Lille for a wonderful project! Thank you to Kaimo Kuusk and the Ministry of Defense for the cooperation! Thanks to Heleene Lippmaa-Alliksoo and the Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations for their help in organizing! A big thank you to the exhibition curator Martin Vaino for carefully selected materials for the exhibition!