Estonian Defence Minister Briefs His Ukrainian Counterpart on Long-Term Support for Ukraine

During a remote conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umierov this week, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur assured him of Tallinn's unwavering support for Kyiv fighting a full-scale Russian invasion.

During the conversation, Pevkur presented Umierov with a long-term strategy for military support to Ukraine and an aid package worth almost €80 million that the government has recently approved.

The latest aid package includes a significant number of Javelin anti-tank missiles and machine guns, ammunition for small arms, various ground and waterborne vehicles, and diving equipment.

"I have confirmed to Umierov that Estonia has decided to support Ukraine for the next four years with military aid in the amount of 0.25% of gross domestic product," the Estonian minister said.

Presenting the strategy for long-term support, Pevkur noted that if the West demonstrates a strong political commitment and increases military aid slightly or maintains it at the same level, Ukraine will be able to win the war.

"However, in order to make this happen, we must seriously prepare and make it clear that we are ready to support Ukraine for a long time. We must step up our assistance to Ukraine together, making a long-term commitment. We in Estonia have done this and will definitely do so in the future," he stated.

Together with the latest package, Estonia has provided Ukraine with almost €500 million in military aid since 2022, or roughly 1.4% of its GDP.

Earlier this week, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued a joint warning in a Politico article: as Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom against Russia's brutal aggression, the free world must continue to stand by Ukraine's side.