The exhibition “Defending Freedom: Estonian Civil Society in the Russo-Ukrainian War” was open in Vabamu 28.09.2024–26.10.2025.

In Estonia, it is understood that Ukraine’s struggle is also a fight for our own freedom. It is a battle for the liberty of this entire region, which Russia views as its sphere of influence rather than a collection of independent states. The cruelty of Russian forces, including rapes, torture, and mass killings, has shocked the world and spurred people to act.

Estonians have supported Ukraine through volunteer work, fundraising, humanitarian aid, protests, and many other activities, providing assistance to both the military and civilians. Since February 2022, over 159,000 Ukrainian citizens have arrived in Estonia, many of whom have received international or temporary protection. Some have settled and started working here, but nearly 70,000 people have moved on to other countries.

The exhibition highlights the role of civil organizations and the state in aiding Ukraine and sheds light on the close cooperation between Estonia and Ukraine. Visitors will learn how we have supported Ukrainian children’s education, provided medical aid, contributed to acquiring military equipment, and found various other means of support. Additionally, the exhibition addresses how Estonian civil society itself has changed in the process of supporting Ukraine. It also covers last year’s corruption scandals, which reduced the volume of donations and affected public trust in NGOs.

Curator: Martin Vaino
Design: b210
Graphic design: Stuudio Stuudio
Installation: Dream Team (Johannes Säre, Dénes Farkas)
Video-audiosolutions: Mark Baranin
Language editing: Cece Grace La Puma, Isidora Boadicea Davis, Krista Jõesaar, Maja Soomägi
Translation: Luisa Translation Agency
Youth and educational programmes: Aive Peil, Ede Schank-Tamkivi
Communication and Marketing: Agnes Kaasik

The following organisations helped to create content for the exhibition: Aitan Kaitsta (Helping to Defend), Mondo, Estonian Refugee Council, Estonian Rescue Association, Slava Ukraini, Ukrainian Cultural Centre, United Delivery Mission, Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations

The exhibition is supported and partnered by: Art Museum of Estonia, Estonian Public Broadcasting, Levila, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior

Thank you, Anu Viltrop, Bogdan Ljutjuk, volunteers of the Ekraan Centre, Elina Pähklimägi, Erika Tšerkašina, Heleene Heleene Lippmaa-Alliksoo, Hendrik Tali, Igor Taro, Ivar Siimar, Jaana Ratas, Karen Jagodin, Kelli Eek, Maarja Uulits, Merilin Piipuu, Mirjam Rennit, volunteers of Niine 2, Piia Kallas, Piret Hartman, Sten Svetljakov, Triinu Ossinovski and Urmo Kübar!