Estonia boosts military aid to Ukraine, plans major defense shipment
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Estonia and France will co-host a virtual meeting of defense ministers from over 10 European countries on Monday to discuss increasing military aid to Ukraine.
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Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, on Thursday, December 19, 2024. (AP)
Estonia has announced a new support package for Ukraine, including 10,000 artillery shells and 750,000 food packages for Ukrainian soldiers.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal also said on X that Estonia will deliver over 100 million euros ($104.6 million) worth of domestically made defense products to Ukraine.
"To strengthen Ukraine's position and increase pressure on Russia, Estonia is sending 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and 750,000 food packages for Ukrainian fighters. At the earliest opportunity, this will be supplemented with our defense industry products worth over 100 million euros," he said in a post on X.
To strengthen Ukraine's position and increase pressure on Russia Estonia is sending 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and 750,000 food packages for Ukrainian fighters.
— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) February 22, 2025
At the earliest opportunity, this will be supplemented with our own defence industry products worth over… pic.twitter.com/R9Rl4V2Ok4
This initiative comes at a time when European leaders are reassessing their defense strategies, especially in light of shifts in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. There is a growing concern that the US may reduce its support for Ukraine, prompting European nations to take a more proactive role in ensuring regional security. Discussions have included the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine to maintain stability following any potential peace agreements.
1.2 billion euros from Estonia
According to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian embassy in Kiev, Estonia has committed a total of €1.2 billion in support to Ukraine since the start of the war. This includes €900 million in military aid, €316 million in civilian assistance planned from 2022 to 2027, and €30 million for humanitarian aid, focusing on war-affected regions, refugee support, and infrastructure restoration.
Estonia and France will co-host a virtual meeting of defense ministers from over 10 European countries on Monday to discuss increasing military aid to Ukraine. Representatives from the UK, Germany, Italy, and Poland, as well as officials from the EU and NATO, are expected to attend.
Read more: France urges stronger European security as US shifts Ukraine policy
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur also revealed on Wednesday that Estonia plans to allocate over 4% of its GDP to defense by 2026, reflecting its commitment to regional security and support for Ukraine.
