Riigikogu hosts a photo exhibition on the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross during the full-scale war
The Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee Signe Riisalo is opening a photo exhibition at 11.30 a.m. in the exhibition space of the second floor of Toompea Castle. The photos record the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross during the full-scale war, including during the winter crisis of this year.
The exhibition records the activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross since the start of the full-scale war until the most recent attacks against the heating and power grids of the country, which have left many urban residents in freezing cold and darkness.
Signe Riisalo said that the exhibition showed how much an encouraging look, a helping hand, or a hot drink meant to those who needed support in the midst of the cruelties of war. “These are photos of the Ukrainian people who have lost their warm homes, electricity, and sense of security, but not their dignity. The Red Cross volunteers and workers are beside these people every day, offering not only practical help but also human companionship and assurance that no one is alone. It is this kind of solidarity and readiness to help others that sustain people even in the most difficult circumstances,” said the Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee.
The photos of the exhibition document the work of the volunteers and workers during evacuations, providing first aid, supporting shelters, offering psychosocial aid, and promoting the daily coping of communities. We are seeing first responders on scenes of destruction as well as their quiet moments in help centres, where a hot drink and a kind word help people to survive.
Over the last months, attacks against the energy infrastructure of Ukraine have deepened the humanitarian crisis. When the power and heating are cut off, daily life grinds to a halt—flats cool down, water systems stop working, hospitals and care facilities need support from generators. The photo exhibition also depicts this new reality: heating stations, installation of generators, handing out hot food, and domestic care for the most vulnerable.
The exhibition has been put together by the Estonian and Ukrainian Red Cross organisations and it is opened symbolically on a day that marks the independence of the Republic of Estonia, the anniversary of the Estonian Red Cross, and the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine. At the opening, the Estonian Red Cross will talk about its contribution in supporting Ukraine and helping the Ukrainians who have fled to Estonia.
The photo exhibition will remain open until 25 March in the Toompea Castle second floor exhibition space. The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors need to present an identity document to gain entry to Toompea Castle. To visit the exhibition, please notify us in advance of your arrival at [email protected] or phone 631 6300.
Background information: Estonian Red Cross (founded on 24 February 1919) is a humanitarian organisation with over 100 years of experience. It is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its focus is to protect life and health and to alleviate human suffering. In Estonia, the organisation supports those in need of help with food and hygiene products, teaches first aid and psychological first aid, assists the state in crisis and catastrophe situations, and contributes to international humanitarian aid.
Photo gallery of the exhibition and its opening (new photos are added; (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu).
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
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