Estonia on Thursday marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence from the Soviet Union, with leaders drawing parallels to Ukraine's current struggle against Russia.
Amid the turmoil of an attempted coup in Moscow, Estonia formally broke away from the Soviet Union through a parliamentary resolution in Tallinn on August 20, 1991.
"Thirty-five years ago we managed to throw off the shackles of occupation," Prime Minister Kristen Michal said at a ceremony marking the anniversary.
Parliamentary Speaker Lauri Hussar used a special session of the Riigikogu parliament to draw a connection between Estonia's history and Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion.
"The right to freedom and a free future is the inalienable right of every nation. This is why the fight of the Ukrainians also resonates with us. Their fight touches the whole Europe. Ukraine's security and Europe's security are not two separate issues," Hussar said.
Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir attended the celebrations as guest of honour.
Iceland was the first country to formally recognize the restored independence of the Baltic States 35 years ago.