This study deals with the problems of multiculturalism created by Russian immigration to Estonia during the period of Soviet annexation. The attempt to preserve the idea of a nation, and the need for the integration of immigrants into Estonian society have set a very difficult and ambiguous task for Estonian schools. Before the problems specific to multiculturalism in Estonia are examined, analyses of the historical background and of the concepts of intercultural and multicultural education are provided. An examination of the goals and needs for intercultural and multicultural education shows that the uncertainty of both Estonians and of Russians concerning their future is a key factor interfering with the development of a normal relationship between them. It is concluded that the European ideology of intercultural education is the most suitable way to integrate the Russian population into Estonian society. Furthermore, the difficulties related to the reluctance of Russian immigrants to learning Estonian are more easily surmounted if language acquisition is more tightly related to, and supported by, the development of their national identity.