On 14 December, the Estonian Ministry of Defense announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, valued at nearly 80 million euros. This package, which includes Javelin anti-tank missiles and ammunition, forms part of a long-term strategy to support the country against Russian aggression.
Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur highlighted the pivotal role of previous Estonian aid in Ukraine’s defense, particularly in defense of Kyiv in 2022, and stressed the importance of continued Allied support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
“Just like the Estonian Javelins played a decisive role last year in defense of Kyiv and inspired other countries to lend a helping hand to Ukraine, our aim with this extensive aid package is to show that Ukraine’s fight for freedom can only succeed if Allies continue helping Ukrainians,” Pevkur said.
According to the Estonian Ministry of Defense, the new aid package, carefully designed to maximize benefits for Ukraine without compromising Estonia’s own defense, includes machine guns, ammunition, vehicles, vessels, and diving equipment. The exact quantities of these supplies remain undisclosed for security reasons.
Pevkur emphasized the strategic message behind this support, aiming to counter the Russian regime’s expectation of waning global backing for Ukraine. He argued that sustained and significant support is crucial not just for Ukraine’s security but for the wider transatlantic and global stability.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence analysts have proposed a strategy where supporters of Ukraine allocate 0,25% of their GDP annually to aid Ukraine. According to Pevkur, such a commitment could effectively challenge Russian military efforts and is a small price compared to the potential costs of Russian aggression succeeding.
Estonia commits to dedicating 0,25% of its GDP for the next four years to military aid for Ukraine. This commitment, according to Pevkur, is an acknowledgment that Ukraine’s battle is also a fight for European security.
“Ukraine is also fighting for us and each war machine destroyed with our help is a step towards reducing the Russian threat towards Europe. Therefore, we must be ready to support Ukraine in the long term and also demonstrate to our Allies that where there is a will, there is a way to help Ukraine,” the Estonian Minister of Defence said.
Estonia’s total military aid to Ukraine since 2022 has amounted to approximately 1.4% of its GDP, or 500 million euros, including various weapons, medical supplies, and protective gear.
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