Estonian formin: Written with blood, tears, Ukraine's history is also our story

TALLINN – Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made a speech at the Refugee Council's charity event "1,000 Days of War, 1,000 Warm Homes" for Ukraine on Freedom Square on Tuesday evening, where he emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine and commended Ukraine and Ukrainians for their bravery and resistance.

"Ukraine is about to face its third winter of war, which will be the hardest yet, as Russia is escalating in every possible way -- brutal drone terror has become a daily occurrence and incessant attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure do not allow any Ukrainian family to live a normal life," Tsahkna said. "We must not forget that, in reality, this war has lasted almost 4,000 days for Ukrainians."

"Today, 1,000 candles are lit here. Unfortunately, they cannot warm the Ukrainian homes that are in the whirlwind of war, but the campaign '1,000 Days of War, 1,000 Warm Homes' is a very worthwhile initiative, as part of which the Estonian Refugee Council is collecting donations in November and December to help 1,000 households near the front line cover their heating costs."

Tsahkna also thanked other NGOs and volunteers who have helped Ukrainians survive throughout the Russian war, and emphasized that 1,000 days is the time during which children in Ukraine were born, have grown and created their first memories for the rest of their lives while having seen nothing but brutal war around them.

"A thousand days means both Ukraine's brave endurance and Russia's persistence in this war. The one thousand days of history written with blood, sweat and tears is also our story" the minister said.

Tsahkna also pointed out a significant escalation on the battlefield, where Russia has involved North Korean soldiers in the hostilities, reaching out to a nuclear power with unpredictable behavior that poses a threat to the entire global security.

"As a NATO and EU border state next to an empire of evil, we must continue to do everything we can to ensure that Russia's brutal aggression ends with a victory for Ukraine," Tsahkna said.

Donations can be made in November and December on the Estonian Refugee Council’s website and through the donation phone lines by calling 900 38 02 to donate 10 euros and 900 38 03 to donate 50 euros.