Today, Estonia decided on the next aid package to Ukraine, which includes additional lethal aid such as mortars and anti-tank weaponry. In addition, Estonia plans to support the United Kingdom’s initiative on expanding the extent to which they train members of the Ukrainian forces and to send a field hospital to Ukraine in cooperation with Germany.
“The fighting in Ukraine continues to be intense. Although more and more western weaponry is reaching the frontlines, our moral responsibility is to continue supporting Ukraine. They are fighting for our shared values, and if there is anything we can send to Ukrainians, we have to do so,” said Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur.
“In addition to weapons, Ukrainian forces have asked for additional support from the Allies in training their personnel. The government’s decision today means that we can also help Ukraine with that specific request for aid,” said minister Pevkur, according to whom Estonian aid has a direct impact on the fighting capabilities of the Ukrainian soldiers and it is very highly valued in Ukraine. “The Estonian Defence Forces are especially proficient in training reservists for combat in an intense conventional war against a larger adversary – meaning, precisely for the kind of war that Ukraine is in right now,” said Pevkur.
In addition to weapons and training, Estonia plans to support the medical capabilities of the Ukrainian troops, donating a second field hospital to Ukraine in cooperation with Germany.
Minister Pevkur emphasised that the West also has to be prepared for the Russian information war, especially the spread of messages about fatigue in the West and the ineffectiveness of providing aid to Ukraine. “Just as the aid that has already been provided clearly shows that we are not tired, our Allies have all confirmed their readiness to help Ukrainians in their freedom war as long as it is needed,” added Pevkur.
In total, Estonia has provided military aid to Ukraine worth of 250 million Euros, which includes Javelin anti-tank missiles, howitzers, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, various light weapons, ammunition, vehicles, communication devices, medical equipment and supplies, personal protective equipment (helmets, body armour, etc.), as well as military food rations.
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