Speech by the President of the Republic at the National Legend of Ukraine Award Concert

Dear Volodõmõr, Dear Olena,

Dear fellow Ukrainians, dear people,

I am really honoured to be here today and greet you on this very-very important date – the Day of Independence. Independence is the ultimate blessing for a nation, granting it the freedom to determine its own destiny and choose the most fitting path for its future. We both know that gaining independence has been difficult and challenging endevour and to protect it both of us have countered and continue to counter the same evil. There is certain numeric magic in our paths to independence – both of us celebrate it on the 24th, you in August, we half a year later or half a year earlier, in February. That might be the spell that has kept us like brothers and sisters, holding freedom and liberty close to our hearts.

But unfortunately, life is not so simple; numbers, even magical ones, will not always save us. 24th of February was also the date horror was unleashed, as your independence and your land were attacked by brutal forces from the East. Full-fledged war has been raging ever since. A war that brings suffering, a war that kills people and destroys wealth, a war that spreads misery. A war started by a malevolent Russia – which also has the aim of shattering the democratic world, destroying democratic ideals and the democratic way of life, and replacing them with a new kind of oppression and brutality.

There is no other way – this war must be won, the villain must be crushed and pushed back. I realize this is extremely difficult; it requires sacrifices and keeping one's spirits up. Most importantly, it requires endless will. In this respect I praise your stamina, determination, and mental strength. It is admirable.

Friends,

The Estonians are with you. We are doing all that we can support you in your fight for your country, your sovereignty and liberty. And this is not only the effort of the Estonian state, but of our society as a whole, our people who are with you. They know that you are also fighting for their future and freedom. 

Estonia as a member of the European Union is part of the Union’s measures to force Russia to retreat and change its self-serving plans. For this to succeed, a number of sanction packages have been agreed upon to suppress the Russian economy and make warmongering as expensive as possible. Every month, new restrictive measures are taken to halt the operations of the shadow fleet in circumventing sanctions. Among other things we seek the ways, how to provide you with more assets to keep your skies safe. 

A matter of great concern for Sirje and me has been the issue of deported children. No child should be forcibly separated from their parents, let alone subjected to ideological brainwashing. We witnessed how Soviet forces behaved in Estonia after World War II; their methods were exactly the same, following the same textbook. This must be stopped; we must do everything in our power to ensure that all children can return home and enjoy a happy childhood with their parents. We will continue to support you, Olena, in this human endeavour.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although times are not fair, we still have to prepare ourselves for a brighter future. Ukraine will need reconstruction. The ruins left by the enemy must be rebuilt, and people must be given back their dreams and sense of hope. Estonians are already actively involved in those reconstruction efforts. We are focusing on young people and education, as well as rehabilitation. A number of family houses, kindergartens and educational facilities have been built, especially in the Žõtomõr region, by Estonian companies. 

Today, I was happy to open the WINWIN Education Technology Center of Excellence here in Kiev. The center will offer a platform to facilitate the transfer of our knowledge and experience in innovation, as a place where education, technology, research and entrepreneurship will meet – to make life better, and the future brighter. As a return we Estonians can learn from you about the design and production of drones. Yesterday I heard with pleasure how good and advanced you are in this respect.

My Ukrainian Friends,

Ukraine is a European nation; it is a democracy that belongs to the European family. Estonians are strong believers that Ukraine’s place is among the members of the European Union and NATO. We are very happy about the significant steps taken this summer to accelerate the EU accession process with the opening of two accession clusters. From our own experience we know that the road to membership takes time and can sometimes be frustrating, but with effort and focus, the goal can be reached. Estonia stands with you on this journey and we are ready to provide advice if the need arises. In terms of NATO, we are certain that NATO membership is the best possible guarantee for Ukraine’s security.

To conclude, keep your spirit strong, your thoughts clear, and your goals ambitious. Keep your belief in freedom and democracy alive and victory will follow. Like Tarass Sevtšenko wrote - Struggle — and you shall overcome, God is on your side! Truth is yours, and strength is yours, And sacred will is yours!

Slava Ukraini