Estonia, Lithuania approve new military aid; Latvian PM visits Kyiv
Estonia will provide military aid to Ukraine (Photo:chris_robert/Unsplash)
Estonia will send a new military aid package to Ukraine, including sniper weapons and equipment for special forces, after the Estonian parliament backed the decision of Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s ERR reported on March 16.
Pevkur explained that the Baltic state is joining the EU initiative to purchase artillery shells, but that it is also necessary to continue sending smaller and more targeted aid packages.
Reportedly, Tallinn will provide Kyiv with semi-automatic rifles, sniper rifles, optical sights, binoculars, ammunition, individual and special equipment, patrol boats and thermal imagers.
Medical equipment will also be provided.
The total value of the military aid is EUR 494,300 ($525,000). Donations of equipment do not affect the capabilities of the Defense Forces.
Estonia has been one of Ukraine’s most ardent supporters since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
The country has already provided military assistance to the Ukrainian army worth almost EUR 400 million ($425 million), or more than 1% of GDP.
Lithuania is also handing over a new military aid package to Ukraine.
According to Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas, it will include 155-mm ammunition, vehicles, and military rations.
He noted that the total value of military support provided by Lithuania to Ukraine will soon reach EUR 450 million ($478 million).
Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins traveled to Kyiv on March 16 to meet with Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy thanked Latvia for its commitment to Ukraine, which includes support in building mechanisms to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes as well as a total aid package equal to 1% of the country’s total GDP.
On Feb. 26, Pevkur arrived in Ukraine and met with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. He announced another package of military aid to be transferred to the Special Operations Forces.
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