Representatives of the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia (CUE) met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the head of Ukraine’s national legislature, during his visit to Estonia on Oct. 22.
The event was reported by CUE Chairperson Vira Konyk.
The CUE delegation included Vira Paholchuk, head of the Union of Ukrainian Women in Estonia; Anna Sumyk, head of the Promin Ukrainian Society (Tartu); Anatolii Liutyuk, head of the Ukrainian Cultural Center; and Tetiana Ivushkina, director of the Ukrainian Museum in Kohtla-Järve.
“CUE has a long-standing collaborative relationship with both the parliament of Ukraine and the parliament of Estonia, as well as the Ukraine-Estonia parliamentary group,” Konyk said. “We invite politicians to our events supporting Ukraine and organize exhibitions, meetings, and more.”
CUE representatives attending the meeting. Photo: CUE on Facebook
During his visit, the Verkhovna Rada chairman also met with President Alar Karis, and addressed lawmakers in the Estonian Parliament, known as Riigikogu.
In his speech, Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to Estonia for the comprehensive assistance it has provided during wartime. He highlighted Estonia’s leading role in creating a multi-state coalition for the provision of ammunition and information technology, and called for the continuation of new initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Stefanchuk thanked the Estonian parliament for approving nine statements in support of Ukraine, including a recent resolution recognizing the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people in 1944 as an act of genocide.
Additionally, Stefanchuk and the speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Lauri Hussar, opened the Ukrainian Color exhibition in the legislative building. This exhibition features folk costumes from various regions of Ukraine, as well as porcelain items from the mid-20th century, traditional motanka dolls, and intricate embroidery.
“We may be far from Ukraine today, but through this exhibition, we can feel our cultural heritage,” Stefanchuk said.