Gallery: 1,000 candles lit on Tallinn's Freedom Square in support of Ukraine
On Tuesday evening, 1,000 candles were lit on Tallinn's Freedom Square (Vabaduse Väljak) in support of Ukraine. The event marked 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
The event was organized by the Estonian Refugee Council as part of the "1,000 Days of War, 1000 Warm Homes" campaign, which began last week. The aim of the campaign is to raise funds to provide heating support for Ukrainians living near the frontline.
"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," said Head of the Estonian Refugee Council Eero Janson in a speech at the event.
"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," Janson added, 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 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," said Tsahkna.
Speeches were also given on Freedom Square by Oksana Puzikova, who represents the Ukrainian community living in Estonia, and Ukrainian Ambassador to Estonia Maksym Kononenko.
More information about the Estonian Refugee Council's 2024 winterization campaign is available here.
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Editor: Merili Nael, Michael Cole
