Donations for Ukraine in Estonia fall sharply

Donations collected in Estonia to support Ukraine have fallen sharply in recent years, ERR reported. Organisations collecting aid say support is now more important than it was during the early years of the war.

While larger organisations raised millions of euros annually at the start of the war, the amounts have now fallen to a few hundred thousand euros. Aid organisers say one reason is reputational damage caused by the Slava Ukraini case, which has reduced people’s trust in non-governmental organisations.

Piia Kallas, head of the Rescue Association, said the decline was also linked to people having fewer financial resources and to war fatigue.

“Since last year, it has also become clear that people in Estonia may find it harder to contribute, given developments in our lives and the economy. In addition, the war has dragged on for a very long time, and perhaps people no longer believe that this aid can somehow bring the war to an end more quickly,” Kallas said.

However, Kallas said support was currently more important than in previous years. She pointed to a significant increase in missile attacks on civilians across Ukraine since last year, including in western regions and peaceful areas from Kyiv to Lviv.

“This shows that the pressure on Ukraine’s rescue service is in some respects greater than at the beginning of the war, when only areas near the front faced the problem of protecting people and equipment,” Kallas said.

Mait Palts, head of the Foundation for Promotion of National Defence, said that although Estonians’ ability to provide assistance had declined, their willingness to help remained.

“Estonian people have been very supportive. Especially when speaking with colleagues from other European countries, I think they have understood the need very well and supported Ukraine accordingly. In parts of Central Europe, the situation and understanding are certainly quite different,” Palts said.

Peeter Liinsoo, head of the NGO Bucel, said aid did not have to be financial. People could also donate goods to help Ukraine, although he said the organisation covered most of its aid costs itself.

“In the NGO I belong to, I am also the main donor, because I do not think it is ethical to ask anyone for money without contributing something myself,” Liinsoo said.