Estonian government approves military aid package for Ukraine
16 November, 2024 Flags of Estonia and Ukraine. Photo by the Estonian Ministry of Defense The Cabinet of Ministers of Estonia has approved a new military aid package for Ukraine.
This was reported by the Estonian Ministry of Defense. Government officials supported the proposal of Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkuri to send Ukraine another military aid package. Reportedly, this time the aid package consists of military equipment and ammunition.
"It will soon be 1,000 days since Ukraine managed to defend its freedom from the overwhelming aggressor. Ukraine will continue to need the help of Estonia and the free world to defend itself. This aid package was assembled from the reserves of our Defense Forces, taking into account the needs of Ukraine, but in a way that does not affect Estonia's defense capabilities," Pevkuri stated.
The new aid package includes, among other things, naval uniforms, surveillance devices, sights, ballistic protection equipment and various types of ammunition.
Finnish amphibious boats in service with the Ukrainian Navy during exercises on the Dnipro River. Freeze frame from the video of the Ukrainian Navy
The aid package was announced by Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi in Kyiv on November 11. Reportedly, special attention was paid during the meeting to the possibilities of the Estonian side to finance the production of long-range drones in Ukraine.
New format of aid
In addition to the announcement of military aid, the Estonian Minister of Defense also announced the launch of a new annual program to support Estonian military companies in the near future.
This will allow Ukraine to receive not only aid from the Estonian army, but also products from the Estonian defense industry.
THeMIS UGV by Milrem Robotics. Photo from the company's page
According to the minister, the Estonian defense industry is capable of producing equipment worth more than EUR100 million a year. Currently, the needs of Ukraine are being clarified in order to adapt production to them.
"We have provided Ukraine with the information about our capabilities and are now trying to find a reasonable compromise that takes into account their priorities and our production capabilities. The production should also be able to catch up quickly if there are any specific products needed," Pevkur added. After receiving the list of Ukrainian priorities, state tenders will be organized.
According to the Estonian Minister of Defense, all Estonian companies that produce the required equipment could participate in them.