Today, 24 August, marks Ukraine’s Independence Day. To commemorate the occasion, a ceremonial flag-raising was held in front of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna opened the event.
In his opening remarks, the Minister stressed that while Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has now lasted 1,643 days, Ukraine has been a free and independent country for 12,784 days. “Ukraine has come a long way over the past 35 years, and its direction is now irreversible – towards the EU and NATO,” Tsahkna said. “Independence is not a date on the calendar; it is the choice every Ukrainian makes every day to defend their decisions, their borders and their future.”
“Ukraine is fighting every day for the security and future of the whole of Europe. Its ability not only to skilfully withstand Russian attacks, but also to hit the aggressor’s war machine with innovative deep strikes and shift the strategic initiative in its favour, sets an example for the whole of Europe.”
“July was one of the deadliest months for civilians since the start of the full-scale aggression, with 437 people killed and more than 2,600 injured,” Tsahkna noted. “Last week’s brutal drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and the Kharkiv region clearly demonstrate that Russia has no intention of abandoning its objectives.”
“The international community must continue to isolate Russia in every sphere, strengthen political and economic sanctions, and support mechanisms that will enable the aggressor to be held accountable, including before the Council of Europe’s Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. Every concession or attempt to find common ground only strengthens Moscow’s war machine.”
Following the flag-raising ceremony, Tsahkna spoke by telephone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. They discussed continued military and economic support for Ukraine, developments on Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, and preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn in January. Tsahkna also congratulated his colleague on his reappointment as Foreign Minister.
Tsahkna assured Sybiha that Estonia’s priority is to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in both the short and long term. A clear demonstration of this commitment is the sixth Ukraine Recovery Conference, to be held in Tallinn in January 2027, which will bring together international partners, businesses and civil society organisations to support the reconstruction of a strong and democratic Ukraine.
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