Statement by Ministry of Defence of Estonia on claims published in today´s Politico on Estonia´s aid to Ukraine

• Estonia decided to send substantial amounts of military aid to Ukraine already before the Russian invasion, i.e. well before the EPF system to aid Ukraine was set up. This included anti-tank systems which were crucial to defend Kyiv in the early stage of the Russian invasion.
• Estonia has followed EPF rules in determining whether aid given to Ukraine is to be classified as book value or as replacement value. This is to help member states regain their capabilities and replenish stocks quickly, so they are able to reduce their security risk. In addition, every donation is validated by the EUMS clearing house mechanism. These rules apply to every member state equally.
• First, replacement value should only be used – and Estonia had acted accordingly – when:
  • production of a specific equipment is discontinued
  • such equipment is needed for the purpose of restoring essential military capabilities.
• Second, equipment which does not fulfil these criteria are reimbursed at book value or even at zero value, which Estonia has also done in various cases.
• All weapons, equipment and ammo sent to Ukraine by Estonia have been fully functional and has been used also by the Estonian Defence Forces. We have done as much as possible to help Ukraine. On the battlefield, the effect is important, it makes no difference whether the equipment is used or brand new. Ukraine has appreciated Estonia’s help and has never complained about the quality of the equipment.
• Estonia has never possessed nor sent Strelas to Ukraine and neither possessed nor acquired Stingers, as claimed by Politico.
• As Politico points out, Estonia has always said that its military aid to Ukraine is calculated based on recovery value, as this is the amount of investment Estonia needs to make to regain the donated capability.
• Last but least, supporting Ukraine is not a competition and its core rationale is not about an EU reimbursement scheme. The stakes are much higher – repelling aggression in 21st century Europe and preserving our security architecture.

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