The Estonian government approved on Thursday, 19 January, the largest military aid package to date to Ukraine worth 113 million euros, which will include howitzers, ammunition, artillery support vehicles and grenade launchers, ERR reports.
After this batch of weapons goes to Ukraine, the total amount of military aid to Kyiv from Estonia will reach 370 million euros, or slightly over one percent of Estonia's annual GDP.
Estonia will send Ukraine dozens of 155 mm and 122 mm howitzers and military trucks and thousands of shells to use with them, as well as more than 100 Carl-Gustaf anti-tank recoilless rifles and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
"If Ukraine falls, freedom is in danger elsewhere in the world as well," Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said.
She noted that Russia's war against Ukraine comes at a price — a price EU residents pay in euros, but the Ukrainians are paying with their lives.
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that Kyiv is in major need of heavy weapons.
"Ukraine needs heavy weapons to maintain the initiative and withstand Russia, which is currently preparing to restore its military strength. The toughest battles are yet to come," Pevkur said. According to him, it is important for Estonia to set an example and motivate other allies to assist.
The government noted that military assistance to Kyiv does not reduce Estonia's defence capabilities, and the guns donated to Ukraine would soon be replaced by Korean K9 self-propelled artillery systems. In addition, security is ensured by the presence of allies, including the recently deployed in the country US HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems.
Previous aid packages from Estonia to Ukraine have included Javelin anti-tank missiles, howitzers, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, communications equipment, medical supplies, personal protective equipment such as helmets as well as dry food packages. In cooperation with Germany, Estonia has also donated two field hospitals and medical supplies worth nearly €15 million. A third field hospital will be donated by Estonia to Ukraine in cooperation with the Netherlands and Norway, who supported the project with €7.8 million.
Estonia is applying for funds from the European Peace Facility (EPF) to compensate for the costs incurred.