Estonia | Ukraine and Impacted Countries Emergency Appeal - Final Report (MGR65002), March 2026

Countries: Estonia, Ukraine Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. A. SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict, Estonia has been significantly affected by displacement flows from Ukraine. By January 2023, approximately 123,000 people displaced from Ukraine had entered Estonia. In response, the Estonian authorities implemented a temporary protection framework, providing displaced people with the right of residence, access to education and employment, health insurance, financial assistance, and temporary or longer-term accommodation. At the outset of the crisis, national and local reception systems were under considerable pressure, as Estonia had limited prior experience in receiving displaced populations at this scale. Since the escalation of the international armed conflict, Estonian Red Cross responded to the needs of people displaced from Ukraine by providing humanitarian assistance, first aid services, and information provision, alongside psychosocial and practical support through its branch network. Early response activities focused on addressing immediate needs, including the distribution of clothing, footwear, and hygiene kits, while supporting access to essential services. Throughout 2023, the situation continued to evolve as the international armed conflict persisted. While initial emergency needs were partially met, the protracted nature of displacement resulted in emerging and increasingly complex challenges. Humanitarian needs gradually shifted from acute, lifesaving assistance towards more stabilisation-oriented support, particularly in the areas of livelihoods, shelter, and mental health and psychosocial support. At the same time, the operating context became more complex due to the differing needs of newly arrived displaced people and those intending to remain in Estonia for longer periods. In 2024, Estonia continued to be affected by the longer-term humanitarian consequences of the international armed conflict. While conditions improved for some displaced people and in certain sectors, others continued to face persistent challenges, including protection risks, barriers to accessing services, and limited livelihood opportunities. Prolonged displacement and uncertainty had a cumulative impact on mental wellbeing, while financial resources diminished for some households. Although many displaced people found employment, available opportunities were often lower paid and did not correspond to their qualifications or previous professional experience in Ukraine. As of 30 September 2025, 41,780 people displaced from Ukraine were recorded as residing in Estonia. Key priority needs included access to healthcare, secure employment and livelihoods support, language training, medicines, education for children under 18, and adequate accommodation. As of 30 June 2024, 44 per cent of women and 61 per cent of men aged 20–64 years displaced from Ukraine were employed in Estonia2. However, employment was largely concentrated in manual labour and service sectors, primarily due to language barriers and the non-recognition of qualifications obtained in Ukraine. Consequently, many displaced people were required to attend additional courses or obtain licenses or certificates, often facing constraints related to cost and language. Access to healthcare, particularly mental health and psychosocial services, remained a critical need, as many displaced people continued to experience distress related to displacement and conflict exposure. Health insurance was provided to people displaced from Ukraine on the same basis as for Estonian citizens, complemented by psychological helplines and web-based counselling services provided by the Social Insurance Board. Children displaced from Ukraine were integrated into the Estonian education system, although language barriers and curriculum differences continued to present challenges. Indicative needs assessment findings highlighted significant variation in the availability and coverage of services between the capital, major urban centres, and rural areas. Within this context, and during the implementation of the Ukraine and Impacted Countries Emergency Appeal, Estonian Red Cross prioritised support to people in the most vulnerable situations, particularly single mothers, children with disabilities, and older people. These groups faced heightened barriers to integration and were more likely to be excluded from the labour market. Planned support focused on the following areas: •Health and care: first aid services and mental health and psychosocial support •Cash and voucher assistance: provision of supermarket and pharmacy vouchers •ommunity engagement and accountability: community consultations and feedback mechanisms •Protection: organisation of protection-oriented activities, including camps for children
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