Estonian Refugee Council is now part of the Standby Partnership Network – an international network that brings together UN agencies and humanitarian expert rosters from around the world. In Estonia, we raised donations to purchase generators, fuel, and other essential items for crisis and evacuation centres, so that they can continue their work under extreme conditions. As of today, 24 generators and 16 high-capacity power stations have been delivered, and the work continues. Since 2022, we have supported people affected by the war in Ukraine with cash-based humanitarian assistance worth more than €60 million. In February, an online business training programme in Ukraine concluded, with a total of 278 participants completing the course. This winter season, we supported more than 5,000 vulnerable families in Ukraine with heating assistance. In Estonia, nearly 300 people took part in adaptation trainings. In Armenia, we have trained the members of the community councils, who can soon begin the councils’ core work based on the initiative ideas gathered and chosen by the members.

The Estonian Refugee Council is preparing to support people affected by the war in the Middle East and neighbouring countries in response to the growing humanitarian needs in the region.

Estonian Refugee Council has joined the Standby Partnership Network (SPB Network) – an international network that brings together UN agencies and humanitarian expert rosters from around the world. It strengthens the organisation’s international role and enables it to contribute more systematically to responding to global crises.

24 February 2026, marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That is almost one and a half thousand days of fear, uncertainty, and instability. During this time, millions of Ukrainians have had to adapt to attacks and extreme conditions, and for many, even leave their homes. Kristin Västra, private donations specialist at the Estonian Refugee Council, spoke with young Ukrainian musician Bohdana on a train to Kharkiv at the end of January about what the war means for Ukrainians and how they are coping.

Last year, a total of 60 people with a refugee background in Estonia took part in group meetings based on the MindSpring method, organised by the Estonian Refugee Council. The meetings, attended by both young people and adults, provided participants with the confidence needed to cope better in a new country.

In Estonia, we are collecting donations to purchase generators, fuel, and other essential items for crisis and evacuation centres, so that they can continue their work under extreme conditions. Part of the campaign, on 26 and 28 February, charity group winter swimming events in support of Ukraine will take place in Tallinn, at Logisaun and Lennusulpsus respectively. Further information is available on Pagulasabi’s website and Facebook page. As of the end of January, we have provided cash assistance in Ukraine to more than 317,000 people, totalling over €59 million. In Ukraine, we conducted a series of online business training sessions for nearly 280 entrepreneurs in vulnerable situations, helping those affected by the war to create sustainable sources of income. In Estonia, 190 people participated in adaptation training sessions. Courses on residence permits continued to generate the greatest interest. In Armenia, in Yerevan and Abovyan, two new groups began an 8-day programme supporting the mental wellbeing of people with a refugee background and providing practical skills for independent living.

February marks four years since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, and this winter has been exceptionally difficult for Ukrainians due to intensified Russian attacks and severe weather conditions. The Estonian Refugee Council is organising a winter swimming challenge in support of Ukraine to raise awareness of the extreme conditions people are facing and to collect donations to support those affected.

Amid the ongoing war and displacement, access to mental health support can be life-saving. In cooperation with the Ukrainian National Psychological Association, the Estonian Refugee Council relaunched its mental health support hotline last spring, offering psychological assistance to Ukrainians in Ukraine and across 20 other European countries. One of the hotline’s consultants, Olena Bohdan, shares her story of supporting others while navigating the personal hardships of war herself.

In the midst of ongoing war and mass displacement, access to mental health support can be a lifeline. Last spring, in collaboration with the Ukrainian National Psychological Association, the Estonian Refugee Council relaunched its mental health support hotline, providing psychological assistance to Ukrainians both in Ukraine and across 20 other European countries. Olha, one of the helpline’s consultants, opens up about her work helping others while confronting the personal challenges brought on by the war.

Russian forces are systematically targeting energy infrastructure across the country, president Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector. Electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent power outages, leaving many homes barely warmer than the winter streets outside. Temperatures remain bitterly cold, dropping as low as -20°C in some areas.