Presidential couple to begin visit to Ukraine in support of its people on Ukrainian Independence Day

The official visit to Ukraine this month by President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis is designed to underscore Estonia's continued support for the people of the beleaguered nation, who are standing up to Russia's aggression and defending their freedom, independence and right to determine their own future. During the visit, President Karis will be meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and taking part in events marking Ukrainian Independence Day.

"Independence means that no one else decides your future," the Estonian head of state remarked. "The Ukrainian people are demonstrating this on a daily basis by bravely standing as one against Russia's aggression. We will be in Ukraine on the country's Independence Day to pay tribute to the nation and its desire for freedom. The people of Ukraine must be able to shape their own future, freely and without fear."

While in Kyiv, Sirje Karis will be attending the sixth summit of spouses of heads of state being organised under the aegis of Olena Zelenska, the spouse of President Zelenskyy, which will focus on maintaining stability in uncertain times. At the summit, President Alar Karis will discuss with other heads of state how to more promptly and effectively bolster the resilience and recovery capacity of the country and the world as a whole.

Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD36Ku