Estonia to invest 0.25% of GDP in Ukraine’s defense over the next four years
9 January, 2024 A MANPADS operator of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. February 2023. Photo credits: Radio Svoboda
Over the next four years, Estonia plans to provide military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 0.25% of its GDP. Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of the country, announced this. This was stated during a press conference following a meeting of the National Defense Council.
"Estonia's contribution to Ukraine's victory will be 0.25% of GDP over the next four years. If each country contributes 0.25%, this would be what Ukraine needs to win this war," she said. The Prime Minister also called on partners around the world to follow Tallinn's example.
Estonian K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer.Photo from open sources.
According to her, in recent months, people have become accustomed to war, and in democratic countries, public opinion slows down decision-making. For this reason, she emphasized the importance of explaining the importance of supporting Ukraine. Kallas noted that since 2022, Estonia has provided Ukraine with military assistance in the amount of EUR500 million.
The politician noted that this is also necessary to ensure the security of her country. Kallas added that in the coming years, Tallinn will also allocate EUR14 million a year to Kyiv for the reconstruction of Ukraine and related projects. In December, the government of Estonia agreed on an additional military aid package as part of long-term support to Ukraine.
Within the £80 million military aid package, the country will transfer a "large number" of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.
Operator of the Javelin ATGM of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Photo credits: Armed Force of Ukraine
In addition to ATGMs, the new package will also include machine guns, ammunition for light weapons, vehicles and vessels, and diving equipment.
For security reasons, the detailed list of weapons planned for transfer was not publicized.