The pair traveled to the Ukrainian capital by train and were met by Estonia's new Ambassador to Ukraine Tiina Intelmann and Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa, who was previously the Ukrainian ambassador in Tallinn.

"Independence means that no one else decides your future. The Ukrainian people prove this every day by standing bravely and united against Russian aggression. We are in Ukraine on Ukraine's Independence Day to pay tribute to the Ukrainians' will for freedom. The Ukrainian people must be able to shape their future freely and without fear," President Karis said in a statement.

Dear Ukrainians, on your Independence Day, Estonia stands with you. Your courage and unity prove that no one else gets to write your future. You deserve a just and lasting peace—and the freedom to choose your own path. Stay strong! Слава Україні! pic.twitter.com/PFN7v5BRxl

— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) August 24, 2026

Sirje Karis will take part in the sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, led by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, which focuses on maintaining stability in uncertain times.

Photos released by Karis' office show he also met with President of Finland Alexander Stubb and President of the European Council António Costa.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) is also in Kyiv for the meeting of Nordic and Baltic ministers and to participate in Independence Day events. Both officials will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"For 35 years, Ukrainians have built their country and shaped their future. Today, you are defending your independence with extraordinary courage. Your strength inspires Europe and makes us all safer. Estonia will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace," Michal wrote on social media site X.

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

For 35 years, Ukrainians have built their country and shaped their future. Today, you are defending your independence with extraordinary courage. Your strength inspires Europe and makes us all safer.

Estonia will stand with Ukraine for as… pic.twitter.com/e2hfTvXz0F

— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) August 24, 2026

Ukrainian flag raised at MFA

On Monday morning, the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag was raised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the middle of Tallinn.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) also stressed the importance of Ukraine being able to determine its own future at the ceremony.

 "Ukraine has come a long way over the past 35 years, and its direction is now irreversible – towards the EU and NATO," he 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."

35 years ago today, Ukraine proclaimed its independence. As has become tradition, a ceremonial flag‑raising was held in front of the Estonian MFA.

Independence is not a date on the calendar, it is a daily choice Ukrainians make: to defend their sovereignty, their borders, and… pic.twitter.com/5BTajjt7Ex

— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) August 24, 2026

He said Ukraine's fight against Russia stands as an example for the rest of Europe and that the "international community must continue to isolate Russia in every sphere."

"Every concession or attempt to find common ground only strengthens Moscow's war machine," the minister added.

Following the flag-raising ceremony, Tsahkna spoke by telephone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and discussed 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.

This article was updated to add comments from Margus Tsahkna and Kristen Michal.

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