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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Supporting the welfare of Ukraine's children is the duty of the international community

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

20.09.2023

Yesterday 19 September, Estonia, together with Ukraine, the United States, Belgium and the European Union's representation to the UN held the event "Fighting for the Future: Ukrainian Children in War" on the sidelines of the high-level week of the UN, with a focus on the situation of Ukrainian children in Russia's war of aggression.

Speakers included Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, President Alar Karis and the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. Other speakers included US Representative to the UN and Member of the US Cabinet Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure have destroyed homes, hospitals, school buildings, and power and water plants, which has significantly affected the welfare and safety of Ukraine's civilians, including children. "Every day we are horrified to read reports about civilians, including children and infants, suffering or dying in yet another missile attack by Russia. Russia's actions clearly demonstrate that Putin's place is in front of a tribunal," Tsahkna said. The foreign minister added that we cannot wait for the war to end, instead, we must begin reconstruction today. "This is the only way we can support the future of Ukrainian children and offer them hope," the minister said, adding that this is why Estonia has built a new kindergarten in the Zhytomyr Oblast, opened in June. In cooperation with the fund of First Lady Olena Zelenska, Estonia has also begun building family houses to provide homes for orphaned children.

Tsahkna also highlighted the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus as a grave violation of international humanitarian law. "Estonia welcomes the warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for the arrest of Putin and Lvova-Belova. Unfortunately, this will not bring the children back. It is the duty of the international community to do everything in our power to bring back the deported children and prevent these kinds of crimes in the future," the minister said. "I can assure you that we will continue our joint efforts to show the aggressor that its cruelty and inhuman actions will not stop us. Ukraine has our unwavering support," Tsahkna added.

In his speech, Tsahkna underlined that Estonia and the international community will not stop, or tire of sending a clear message to Russia that its cruelty and inhumane aggression will not subjugate Ukraine nor any other country.

The aim of the event was to discuss the most urgent challenges and the needs of Ukraine's children, and propose concrete solutions the UN and the international community could use to contribute to alleviating the suffering of children.

The speech of the foreign minister: https://vm.ee/en/news/high-level-event-margins-78th-unga-session-focusing-suffering-children-ukraine-affected