On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. An aggression against a sovereign state in the heart of Europe has threatened the security of all of Europe and the values we cherish. This is why Russia’s war against Ukraine has united us – in Estonia and in the international community in general. Throughout this year, Estonia has made every effort to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine. We have supported Ukraine politically, economically and militarily, we have ensured crucial humanitarian aid and launched reconstruction efforts, with a focus on civilian sites and infrastructure. Our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is unwavering and we will continue providing comprehensive assistance to Ukraine until it has won the war.
Estonia was one of the first countries to provide Ukraine with defence assistance even before the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war on 24 February 2022, sending Javelin anti-tank missile systems that arrived in Ukraine on 22 February.
Estonia has provided nearly EUR 400 million, or more than 1% of GDP, worth of military assistance to Ukraine. Previous donations have included missiles for the Javelin anti-tank missile system, howitzers, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, communication equipment, medical supplies, personal protective equipment (helmets, etc.) and dry food packages. In cooperation with Germany, Estonia has donated two field hospitals and medical supplies worth nearly EUR 15 million to Ukraine. Estonia is donating a third field hospital to Ukraine in cooperation with the Netherlands and Norway, which provided EUR 7.8 million in support for the project.
Estonia’s newest assistance package includes semi-automatic rifles, sniper rifles, sights, binoculars, ammunition, individual and special equipment, patrol boats, and thermal cameras. In addition, medical equipment is being donated. The total value of the military aid is EUR 494,300. By donating equipment, the training and wartime capabilities of the Defence Forces do not suffer.
Weapons
122 mm and 155 mm towed howitzers, Milan anti-tank missile systems with ammunition, Javelin anti-tank missiles, anti-tank mines, Carl-Gustaf M2 recoilless rifles with ammunition, Instalaza C90 disposable rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 120 mm mortars, 90 mm recoilless anti-tank guns, semi-automatic rifles and various handguns with ammunition
Equipment
Vehicles, communications equipment, medical equipment, personal protective equipment (helmets, flak jackets etc.), dry food packs and about 10 000 sets of winter uniforms (jackets, trousers, shirts, socks, boots) and thousands of camouflage suits
Training
Basic training for soldiers, STV training, sniper training, cyber training, both bilaterally and under the EU’s military assistance mission in Ukraine EUMAM
Field hospitals
Three mobile field hospitals ROLE2 already donated and one is on the way. The first two were sent in cooperation with Germany, the third one was sent in cooperation with the Netherlands and Norway (the cost of one hospital is €7.8 million). The fourth field hospital will be provided in cooperation with Iceland.
According to estimates, the people, state, private sector and civil society organisations of Estonia have donated €23.1 million to Ukraine. Our humanitarian aid is aimed at areas worst affected by the war, at refugees and displaced persons, and international organisations.
Estonia is among the first countries to already begin reconstruction in Ukraine, focusing on the Zhytomyr Oblast. Construction on an energy-efficient kindergarten in town of Ovruch has been done in less than a year, with Estonia allocating €1.9 for that purpose. Additional support was given for rebuilding the bridge in town of Malyn .
More than 40 000 refugees from Ukraine have applied for temporary protection in Estonia, which is more than 3% of our population.
Sanctions
Since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, the European Union has continued to impose sanctions against Russia. Ten sanctions packages have been imposed so far, aimed at raising the cost of the aggression for Russia and, with other foreign policy measures, pressure Russia into ending its unjustified aggression in Ukraine.
From the start of Russia’s aggression, Estonia has stood up for making EU sanctions packages against Russia as severe and effective as possible. The sanctions have been adopted in close cooperation with the G7 and their efficiency is increased by the fact that more than 40 countries have imposed similar measures.
Accountability for Russia
Freezing assets and using them for reconstruction in Ukraine
Support to Ukraine in EU and NATO accession
Last updated: 31.05.2023