37 Years Later: Freedom for the Baltics, Freedom for Ukraine, Freedom for Tatarstan
August 23, 1989, marked one of the peaks of the “Singing Revolution,” a human chain spanning all three Baltic republics. Aida Abdrakhmanova of the Tatarstan Independence Committee linked this event and its support from Sweden to her own struggle for freedom.
Today, August 23, 2026, marks 37 years since the Baltic Way – one of the most powerful symbols of nations’ struggle for freedom. 23. On August 23, 1989, approximately two million Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians joined hands to form a living chain over 600 kilometers long – from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius. They proclaimed to the world their right to freedom and independence.
Today I am in Stockholm at the Free World Fountain monument on Norrmalmstorg. It is a monument to the struggle of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for independence from the USSR. It is the work of Swedish sculptor Björn Selder and was built between 1993 and 1994. The sculpture consists of three tall granite blocks symbolizing the three Baltic states.
It is particularly interesting that the monument is located exactly where the famous “Monday movement” (Måndagsrörelsen) rallies took place in 1990-1991 – every week, Swedes gathered to support the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This place serves as a reminder of the struggle and the fact that the solidarity of free people is capable of changing history.
It is symbolic that this tradition continues today. Every Monday since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, rallies in support of Ukraine have been held here. People gather to support the Ukrainian people, who are today defending their country, their freedom, and their right to decide their own future.
I also come to support Ukraine. But at the same time, I speak here about Tatarstan – about the Tatar nation, its right to freedom, its national identity, and its own future.
I speak at these rallies in defense of the Tatar nation, telling Swedish politicians and society about Tatarstan, and striving to make the voice of the Tatar people better known and more audible in Sweden.
Thirty-seven years ago, the Baltic nations showed that the united will of the people is stronger than an empire. Today, Ukraine continues this struggle.
And I believe that the Baltic states, which themselves traveled the path from Soviet occupation to freedom and independence, can become even greater support for Ukraine and for us – the nations still under Russian rule – in our struggle against aggression and occupation.
I am sincerely happy for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. And I believe that Tatarstan will one day also become a free and democratic country. A country that will be a friend to Sweden, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Thirty-seven years ago, people joined hands to show the world that freedom is possible.
Today, we are still holding that chain.
For Ukraine. For Tatarstan. For the freedom of all enslaved nations.
From the Facebook page of Aida Abdrakhmanova – head of the Tatarstan Independence Committee, vice-chair of the Anti-Imperial Block of Nations
Information Department of the Tatarstan Independence Committee
Translated by Pavel Veselský from the English and Ukrainian versions, with reference to the Russian original.
Translation without additions or edits. The text does not express the views of the editorial staff.
