Communication failures in Ukrainian war refugees arriving in Estonia
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University of Tartu, Prevention Partner of the Estonian Rescue
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Junior Researcher in Community Development, University of Tartu
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Associate Professor of Communication Studies at University of Tartu
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Professor of Risk Sociology at University of Tartu
The arrival of Ukrainian war refugees in Estonia in 2022 revealed critical shortcomings in crisis communication infrastructure.
Authors highlight how communication failures—ranging from inaccessible digital platforms and language barriers to information overload and disinformation—intensified refugee vulnerability. Interviews with officials and volunteers revealed that many refugees lacked the tools or digital fluency to navigate Estonia’s e-governance. Effective crisis response demands culturally sensitive, multilingual outreach, improved coordination between institutions and volunteers, and trauma-informed communication strategies. The authors advocate for user-centred digital platforms, designated spokespersons, and tailored support for vulnerable subgroups. In an era of global displacement, Estonia’s experience offers essential lessons in human-centred crisis governance.