Yesterday, 19 November, a support event for Ukraine was held at Freedom Square in Tallinn, where 1,000 candles were lit to mark 1,000 days since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Hundreds of people gathered in solidarity with Ukraine, and several individuals connected to Ukraine delivered speeches.
In his address, Eero Janson, Director of the Estonian Refugee Council, highlighted the heavy toll of the war: “As 1,000 days have passed, we remember the more than 12,000 civilians – including nearly 700 children – who have lost their lives due to this war, as well as the millions who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety far from their homes. Millions more remain in towns and villages near the front lines, enduring frequent attacks and harsh living conditions. As today's weather at Freedom Square reminds us, a cold winter is once again upon us – the third since the start of the full-scale aggression. Many people today live wrapped in blankets in freezing rooms, cooking food on outdoor fires,” said Janson, urging people to donate to the support campaign “1,000 Days of War, 1,000 Warm Homes.”
Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna also called on the public to continue supporting Ukrainians and thanked everyone who has contributed to Ukraine's cause so far. He also expressed gratitude to the Estonian Refugee Council for its diverse assistance in Ukraine since 2014 and its current winterization campaign. "Today, 1,000 candles are being lit here. Sadly, these cannot warm the homes caught in the midst of war, but the campaign “1,000 Days of War, 1,000 Warm Homes” is a highly commendable initiative. In November and December, the Estonian Refugee Council is collecting donations to support 1,000 households near the front lines with heating costs," Tsahkna added.
Other speakers included Oksana Puzikova, representing the Ukrainian community in Estonia, and Maksym Kononenko, Ukraine's Ambassador to Estonia.
Learn more about the campaign “1,000 Days of War, 1,000 Warm Homes” on the Estonian Refugee Council’s website. Donations can be made in November and December via the website or donation phone lines:
- 900 38 02 – €10
- 900 38 03 – €50
Help Ukrainian families survive the winter of war!
The Estonian Refugee Council has been active in Ukraine since 2014, providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the war and supporting the restoration of their economic well-being.
