First Lady Sirje Karis meets Ukrainian foster families: “Estonia is a true friend to Ukraine, even in difficult times”

“Estonia is a true friend to Ukraine, and we are here to support you even in difficult times,” said First Lady Sirje Karis in her remarks to the families. “Just as friendships are formed between people, they can also be built between countries. We have a saying in Estonia: ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ We hope you see Estonia not just as an ally, but as a friend who stands by you through hardship.” 

Mrs. Karis emphasized that the Ukrainian families’ visit to Estonia is a meaningful part of the deepening relationship between the two nations. “Each of you is like a thread weaving together the fabric of our peoples,” she said. “This pattern of friendship is much like your traditional vyshyvanka embroidery or our own Estonian folk designs—stitched with the values cherished by our ancestors and still meaningful today.” 

The First Lady also recalled her meeting with other Ukrainian foster families last year in Tallinn, many of whom now live in homes built with Estonian support. In April, Mrs. Karis joined Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska for the official opening of several completed homes in Zhytomyr. 

As part of a joint initiative between the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the Olena Zelenska Foundation, five group homes are being built for displaced Ukrainian foster families - those raising orphaned children alongside their own. Ukraine currently has over 1,300 foster homes, at least 80 have been destroyed during the war and in urgent need for a new home suitable for a large family with up to 10 children..  

The construction of family-style small group homes is part of Estonia’s broader commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction. This initiative is coordinated by ESTDEV and funded by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also includes training for foster parents to support children affected by war-related trauma, as well as a capacity-building program for regional child protection specialists to better address the needs of foster families displaced by the conflict. 

Photos from Vabariigi Presidendi Kantselei/Raigo Pajula.