Estonia has pledged to allocate 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to Ukraine’s defense over the next four years, according to Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. This announcement comes after Estonia already supplied Ukraine with military aid worth nearly 500 million euros since 2022. Kallas emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine for both its security and the region’s stability. She urged other countries in Europe, North America, and elsewhere to contribute their share of 0.25% in order to help Ukraine win the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, Estonia plans to provide an additional 14 million euros annually for joint actions aimed at assisting in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Estonian Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges of garnering support for Ukraine, given the public opinion dynamics in democratic countries. However, she stressed the need for consistent advocacy in order to emphasize the significance of backing Ukraine in this critical time. Estonia’s dedication to Ukraine’s defense has been evident, as the country has already trained more than 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers, equivalent to one-sixth of its own conscripts, since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
In December 2023, Estonia announced a new aid package worth 80 million euros for Ukraine. The package includes anti-tank missiles, machine guns, ammunition for light weapons, various vehicles, vessels, and diving equipment, all designed to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
With Estonia’s commitment to allocate a significant portion of its GDP to Ukraine’s defense and its ongoing provision of military aid, the country aims to make a substantial contribution to Ukraine’s efforts in the ongoing conflict. Kallas urged other nations to follow Estonia’s lead and provide their own support to help ensure Ukraine’s victory.
