The amount of donations collected in Estonia to support Ukraine has decreased significantly in recent years. During the early years of the war, major organizations collected millions of euros in donations annually, but these amounts have now fallen to a few hundred thousand euros.
Fundraising organizations state that support for Ukraine is now more important than it was in the early years of the war. Reputational damage caused by the Slava Ukraini case has led to a loss of trust in various NGOs.
Economic pressure and war fatigue
Piia Kallas, head of the Estonian Rescue Association, said a lack of disposable funds and war fatigue are significant factors in the decline of donations. She noted that since last year, people in Estonia may find it harder to spare money themselves, given developments in their lives and the economy.
Kallas stated that since last year, there has been a significant change in the number of missile attacks targeting civilians across Ukraine, including western regions from Kyiv to Lviv. She added that Ukraine's rescue services are at times under greater pressure than they were at the beginning of the war.
Willingness to help remains
Mait Palts, head of the National Defense Promotion Foundation, said that although Estonians' ability to provide assistance has declined, their willingness to help has not disappeared. He stated that Estonians have understood the need to support Ukraine well, especially compared to some situations in Central Europe.
Peeter Liinsoo, head of the NGO Bucel, said that assistance does not have to be financial and people can donate items to help Ukraine. However, he noted that his organization still has to cover most of the cost of the aid themselves.
