February 24 – A Day That Unites Memory and Freedom
February 24 is a date forever engraved in the history of two nations. For the Estonian people, this day symbolizes the restoration of independence and pride in their country. For Ukrainians, it marks the anniversary of the full-scale invasion that changed everything. This day combines the joy of freedom and the bitterness of struggle, giving even greater meaning to the words “independence” and “resilience.”
Three years of struggle. Three years of resilience. Ukraine continues to resist, defending its land and future. Over these years, everyone has become stronger, more enduring, and more united. Ukrainians have learned to live under sirens, work without electricity, and support each other even in the darkest times. We have seen pain and loss, but we have also seen strength – in volunteers, in soldiers, in people who, despite everything, build, create, and dream of the future.
This day is not about fear. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and faith. Remembrance of those who are no longer with us. Gratitude to those who fight and work for victory.
On February 22, in the Estonian city of Pärnu, the Ukrainian Center organized a march to Freedom Square to commemorate the fallen and light candles in their memory. It was a moment of unity, where people were brought together by a shared desire for freedom. Ukrainians and Estonians understand the true price of independence – it is achieved through great struggle and the blood of the best sons and daughters.
Today, we congratulate the Estonian people on their Independence Day. Your history of struggle is inspiring, and your support gives us strength. Together, we will prove that freedom always prevails. Glory to Ukraine! Elagu Eesti!
Another news
04.04.2026Stronger Together
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the launch of the project "Stronger Together / Koos Tugevam", implemented by NGO Ukrainian Center (MTÜ Ukraina Keskus) in cooperation with partners NGO Ukrainian Women's Union in Estonia and NGO Ukrainians in Haapsalu during the period 21 March 2026 – 28 February 2027.
The project is implemented within the framework of the GrassRoots programme (VEICAM / "Together towards solutions") and is co-funded by the European Union.
The aim of the project is to support Ukrainian women and families in Estonia, raise awareness of their rights and available services, and prevent gender-based violence.
The project will include a range of activities such as information campaigns, training programmes, and psychosocial support.
**The total amount of funding awarded to the project is EUR 60,000. ** Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
13.02.2026MTÜ Ukraina Keskus has been selected to participate in the international RIZA project.
Read moreThe RIZA project is a large-scale initiative supported by the European Union, aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations working with migrant and refugee women across Europe. The project focuses on: • strengthening the capacity of local organisations working with women of migrant background through financial support and tailored development tools; • supporting the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant and refugee women, including access to fundamental rights, participation in democratic processes, and ensuring equal opportunities; • building a cooperation network among organisations from different EU countries working in similar fields, fostering exchange of experience and joint initiatives; • supporting the voice and leadership of women of migrant background in public dialogue and democratic processes.
The project manager of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus has already attended the first two-day training in Brussels within the framework of the RIZA programme, organised by Migrantwomennetwork in partnership with Melissa Network and Pangea. Key topics of the training included: • capacity building of civil society organisations; • European Union values and fundamental human rights in the migration context; • different forms of gender-based violence and response mechanisms.
An online learning programme was also presented, which representatives of participating organisations will complete over the course of the year within the RIZA project. This marked an important step in establishing effective cooperation with international colleagues and project organisers. We sincerely thank the RIZA project team and partners from different countries for the opportunity to contribute to this important European process.
08.12.2025Ukrainian Center selected as one of five Estonian organisations for the international MARIO 2025 project
Read moreLast year, MTÜ Ukraina Keskus was selected as one of five organisations in Estonia working with national minorities to participate in the international MARIO 2025 project. This is a great honour for us, as we are the youngest organisation among all 30 participants from six European countries included in the MARIO 2025 programme. 🇺🇦 Over four days in Brussels, during the MARIO Brussels Exchange & Advocacy Meetings 2025, we represented the Ukrainian community of Estonia at meetings with representatives of key European institutions. 👩💻 Together with colleagues from six countries, we met, learned, and exchanged experiences with representatives of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and leading human rights initiatives. It was a great honour to meet and listen to such influential speakers as: 🔹 Pascale Biver – Task Manager, EACEA (European Education and Culture Executive Agency), an executive agency of the European Commission managing EU grant programmes in the fields of education, culture, youth, media, and civil society (including Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and CERV); 🔹 Tanja Florath – Policy Officer, DG JUST, coordinating EU anti-racism policy; 🔹 Jelena Jovanovic – Coordinator of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup of the European Parliament, shaping the political agenda on equality; 🔹 Neil Clarke – Head of Legal Programmes and EU Advocacy (MRG), who delivered a powerful training on advocacy strategies for minority rights; 🔹 Lucia Demeny – European Women's Lobby, who spoke about the role of women leaders in building an inclusive society. This exchange in Brussels was an invaluable experience — offering networking opportunities and knowledge exchange with leaders and communities shaping modern Europe: equal, diverse, and united in solidarity 🤝🇪🇺. We sincerely thank MRGgroup for the opportunity and the excellent organisation of all events! 🙌
