Today marks 25 years since the withdrawal of Russian troops from Estonia

Today, 31 August marks 25 years since, according to the July Treaties, the last Russian troops left Estonian soil and the restoration of independence was finally completed.

At a formal reception that took place yesterday night, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu expressed his gratitude and respect towards the diplomats and officials that took part in the negotiations on the withdrawal of forces, as well as those who fought for independence throughout the whole occupation period. “The fact that 25 years ago, Russian troops left our soil and Estonia was free to guide its own destiny happened thanks to your brave actions,” Reinsalu said in his opening speech. “Our nation’s history and destiny would have been completely different if that had not happened,” he added.

In addition, Reinsalu emphasised the importance of the contribution of our Western allies to the restoration of independence. “The Estonian people will be forever grateful to those countries that did not recognise the illegal occupation of Estonia,“ the foreign minister said. „We thank those brave Western politicians who helped Estonia reach an agreement with the Russian Federation on the withdrawal of troops,” the minister said, bringing out the support of the UN, CSCE, Council of Europe, as well as the leaders of the US, Sweden and other Western countries.

Minister of Defence Jüri Luik also gave a lecture to mark the occasion, where he remembered the negotiations around the July Treaties. The full lecture can be watched on the Foreign Ministry’s Facebook page (in English).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will today participate at a service held at 12pm at the Estonian Memorial Church to Soldiers in Tori to mark the occasion of the withdrawal of Russian troops. A fireworks display will take place at 21:10 in Governor’s Garden (Kuberneri aed) in Tallinn – the withdrawal of Russian troops was also celebrated with fireworks at the same spot 25 years ago.

Photos from the reception: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157710614277941
Read more about the historical background: https://vm.ee/en/25-years-withdrawal-russian-troops-estonia

Additional information:

Britta Tarvis
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
+372 637 7627 / +372 5194 7045