Principles of providing humanitarian aid
1. Estonia continues to support Ukraine in accordance with the core international principles of humanitarian aid - humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.
2. Estonia’s humanitarian aid is directed toward the people and regions most affected by the war.
3. Humanitarian aid is delivered through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ partner NGOs and institutions as well as international organizations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has funded bilateral humanitarian aid projects focusing on cash-based assistance, education, mental health, winter preparedness, and emergency rescue operations.
In addition, the Ministry supports Ukraine through international humanitarian organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (OCHA UHF), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The Ministry has also facilitated the delivery of in-kind aid to Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), including food, heating devices and materials, vehicles, rescue and demining equipment, medical supplies, and energy equipment.
What is humanitarian aid?
Humanitarian aid is urgent financial or material assistance or know-how provided to another country for the purpose of saving lives, alleviating human suffering, and providing the essentials for a dignified life during or after natural or man-made disasters. In addition, assistance is provided to improve preparedness for and response to these situations.
Donating to Ukraine through international organisations
The World Food Programme collects donations to provide food assistance to war-affected families and children in Ukraine and neighbouring countries where people have fled from the war.
UNICEF collects donations to mitigate the situation on the ground in Ukraine. UNICEF has partnered with the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund that ensures that aid reaches those in need quickly.
UNHCR collects donations to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries in order to provide them with essentials for surviving the war.
UNFPA is collecting donations for women and children affected by the war in Ukraine.
ICRC is collecting donations to support Ukraine in a variety of ways, including food, clothing, and medical aid, cash vouchers, and the restoration of damaged buildings and infrastructure.
The following items are not humanitarian aid:
- weapons;
- helmets, uniforms, flak jackets;
- radio transmitters;
- other military equipment;
- products with a short storage life;
- products that need special preservation conditions.
Last updated: 02.10.2025
