Stand for Democracy. Support the Baltics. Defend Ukraine.
Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, Ukrainian Security is our Security
As Estonian Americans, we understand all too well the consequences of foreign occupation and the pain of being abandoned by the free world. In 1940, Estonia was illegally occupied by the Soviet Union under a secret pact between Stalin and Hitler, and leading to five decades of oppression. The West did not recognize the occupation, but neither did it intervene. Today, Ukraine begins its third year of fiercely fighting Russia’s brutal invasion. Having annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea already in 2014, Russia full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022. Since then, Russia has committed war crimes, forcibly deports Ukrainian children to Russia, and attempts to erase not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but its history, culture, and the brave Ukrainian people.
Ukrainian security is our security. We must stand with Ukraine!
© Herseliya Dzyziuk Dreamstime.com
EANC Statement on Ukraine
(For immediate release, February 20, 2025)
The full-scale war in Ukraine began with Russia’s unprovoked and catastrophic invasion on the morning of February 24, 2022. The symbolic significance of this date, Estonia’s Independence Day commemorating liberation and freedom from Russia, is alarmingly clear to Estonian-Americans. Estonians endured almost 50 years of Soviet occupation and understand too well what it means to be abandoned by allies and occupied by Russia.
The United States must stand with Europe and NATO in supporting Ukraine and ensuring that Russia cannot threaten its neighbors in the future. A just peace can only be achieved through strength, adherence to international norms, the rule of law, and the involvement of Ukraine and our European allies in any negotiations. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Increasing support and security guarantees for Ukraine, and increasing pressure and sanctions on Russia, are necessary actions for ending this war unjustly started by Russia.
Why should Americans care? Because the US itself benefits from a secure and stable world. Any agreement giving Russia what it wants will only fuel further regional instability, resulting in few winners and many losers, among them America’s trusted, dependable allies. “If Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were not part of NATO, Putin would have already invaded them,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “Putin denies their sovereignty as it is. These countries want democracy, independence, free markets and the rule of law. NATO serves a great purpose and remains relevant.”
The cards are on the table, and it is increasingly clear how easy it is to strike a deal when you give away the store. Concerned constituents are asked to contact their elected representatives immediately as events are moving quickly, asking them to convince their colleagues in Congress that appeasing an aggressor by abandoning an ally will not work. This misguided Russia-positive foreign policy must not be carried out. We do not want to see history repeating itself, with Estonia, the Baltics, and Ukraine at risk of losing their independence once again amidst a world in turmoil.
More info and resources at www.estosite.org.
Contact: [email protected]
In FOCUS with EANC:
Russia's War against Ukraine and Implications for European Security and Beyond: Perspectives from Estonia
Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk and JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau discuss the current status of the crisis in Ukraine through an Estonian lens.
Ambassador Prikk shares Estonia’s current and historical perspective and insights. Mr. Karl Altau provides and overview of essential advocacy work on Capitol Hill, the upcoming Baltic Advocacy Days, and the value of each and every individual’s involvement. We discuss valuable pointers on what Estonians and supporters in the U.S. can do right now to help secure continued support for Ukraine and increase security for the Baltics.
Featuring speakers: Mr. Kristjan Prikk - Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States. Mr. Karl Altau - Managing Director, Joint Baltic American National Comittee, introduced by EANC President Mai-Liis Bartling, and moderated by Ms Maia Linask, EANC Vice President.
Virtual Forum was originally broadcast on March 6th, 2025.
War in Ukraine: Perspectives from Estonia
Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk and Estonian parliament member Marko Mihkelson discuss how the continued Russian assault on Ukraine affects Estonia and the security of the Baltic region.
EANC Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey presents an overview of what has and is being done by the Estonian American National Council and partners to help Ukraine, and the Council shares more ways on how the Estonian-American community and individuals can help.
Featuring guest speakers: Mr. Kristjan Prikk - Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States Mr. Marko Mihkelson - Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) And with Ms. Karin Shuey, Washington, DC Director, Estonian American National Council.
Virtual Broadcast was originally broadcast on March 20th, 2022
At the Estonian American National Council (EANC), we are dedicated to preserving and supporting Estonian cultural heritage in the United States, to strengthening and helping connect our communities, and to advocating for Estonian American interests and those of a democratic Estonia. We rely on your help to carry out our mission. Together we can help ensure that Estonian voices are heard and our cherished culture shared.
We invite you to join in this commitment by supporting the EANC cause as well as related campaigns that are close to our hearts and aligned with our values. Estonian interests and Estonian Americans across the nation.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in preserving the essence of Estonian heritage and advancing the interests of our community -- Your donation makes an impact! Also, please do explore our initiatives and discover local communities to get involved!
EANC's "Support Ukraine" Matching Donations Campaign. Your donation amount will be matched* by EANC.
* Your donation made through EANC will be matched (totaling $10,000).
Donations made by check mail to: EANC, 16 Pepperidge Road, Monroe, CT 06468.