Estonia announces $22 million military aid package for Ukraine

Europe, News March 26, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Estonian government has announced a new $22 million military assistance package for Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s defense against the continuing invasion by Russia. The announcement came during Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur’s visit to Ukraine.

According to the Estonian Ministry of Defense, Tallin would send 155 mm caliber shells as part of the European Union’s initiative to deliver one million shells to Ukraine. Denmark will partially finance the replenishment of Estonia’s contribution. Exact quantities remain undisclosed for security reasons.

“The package includes recoilless anti-tank guns, explosives, various types of artillery ammunition, gas masks, sniper equipment, smaller caliber ammunition, and more. We put together the aid package to be maximally beneficial to Ukraine without compromising the combat readiness of the Estonian Defense Forces,” said Pevkur as he announced the latest military aid package for Kyiv.

Today in #Kyiv, 🇪🇪 DefMin @HPevkur announced newest aid package from #Estonia to 🇺🇦#Ukraine, containing artillery ammo, gas masks, sniper equipment, smaller caliber ammo and more. After a night of air raids, the morning provided a stark reminder of why the aid is needed. pic.twitter.com/D3iBjvwVQ0
— MoD Estonia (@MoD_Estonia) March 21, 2024

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur arrived in Kyiv on March 21, 2024, to meet with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s defense minister. Pevkur said, “The overview that Defense Minister Umerov gave us about the situation on the battlefield confirmed that this package is very much needed.”

The Estonian defense minister said during a press briefing following his meeting with Umerov, “However, it also showed clearly what moving towards summer, Ukraine needs first and foremost: ammunition, all elements of air defense, and also spare parts and electronic warfare equipment.”

Estonia’s military aid for Ukraine

Estonia is among one of Ukraine’s most prominent and vocal supporters. Last month, Tallin delivered Javelin anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and other military aid to Ukraine as part of its military package worth $86 million.

*^{Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Estonian President Kaja Kallas on January 11, 2024. (Image Credit: Presidential Office of Ukraine)}*

In 2023, the Baltic nation committed to providing sniper rifles and special forces equipment. Tallinn further declared the donation of its 155-millimeter howitzers, along with shells and Carl-Gustaf anti-tank grenade launchers during the same year. In December 2022, the Estonian government inaugurated a military cyber facility in Ukraine as a component of the EU’s effort to counter Russian hackers targeting Kyiv.

Estonia announced its participation in the British government’s military training program for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in January 2024. With a population of only 1.3 million, the Baltic nation stands out as one of the primary contributors to Ukraine’s military aid in proportion to its gross domestic product (GDP). Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has provided more than $500 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine.

Apart from helping Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion, Estonia has also been bolstering its defense capabilities as it is a part of NATO’s easter flank, which currently is going through a major military overhaul.

*^{Estonian Defence Forces conducting the country’s biggest exercise Spring Storm. (Image Credit: Twitter/@Kaitsevagi)}*

Estonian Defense Forces have also witnessed an increase in wartime composition to 43,700 combatants, with a crucial emphasis on doubling territorial defense to 20,000 personnel. Estonia has also ramped up defense exercises with allied forces. Last year from August to October Estonia conducted a six-week territorial defense exercise “Ussisõnad” (Parseltongue), the largest reservist training in Estonian history.