She said it at a press conference on 8 January after the regular meeting of the Estonian State Defense Council, noting that “It is also necessary for our security,” according to ERR.
“Estonia’s contribution to Ukraine’s victory will amount to 0.25% of GDP over the next four years. If every country contributes 0.25%, that’s what Ukraine needs to win this war,” Kallas said, urging countries in Europe, North America, and elsewhere to follow suit.
Kallas also noted that in the following years, Estonia will also allocate 14 million euros a year for joint actions for the reconstruction of Ukraine and related decisions.
The Estonian Prime Minister noted that many people are used to war, and in democratic countries, public opinion slows down decision-making. However, she said, there is a need for consistent advocacy in different countries about why it is essential to support Ukraine.
In December 2023, Estonia announced a new €80 million aid package for Ukraine, inluding Javelin anti-tank missiles, machine guns, ammunition for light weapons, a variety of vehicles and vessels, and diving equipment.
Estonia’s Defense Ministry said the country trained over 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers, about one-sixth of the total number of its own conscripts, since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
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