A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
War-fleeing Ukrainians’ adaptation and attachment under temporary protection in the European Union: the case of Estonia
Authors: Jauhiainen, Jussi S.; Toivonen, Henri
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of Baltic Studies
First page : 1
Last page: 27
ISSN: 0162-9778
eISSN: 1751-7877
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01629778.2026.2686290
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1080/01629778.2026.2686290
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered a mass exodus to the European Union, where displaced Ukrainians received protection under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). Estonia hosted one of the highest proportions of war-fleeing Ukrainians relative to its population. A 2024 survey of 391 displaced Ukrainians in Estonia showed considerable uncertainty about their long-term residence and migration plans. Those with Estonia-oriented adaptation and attachment (16.9%) were more often young adults and parents, employed, satisfied with life, learning Estonian, and less inclined to return compared with Ukraine-oriented individuals (13%). The largest group (70.1%) was oriented to both countries, rather than possessing transnational lifestyles.