Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal pledged another 10 million euros for NATO’s programme financing US weapons for Ukraine during Mark Rutte’s Tallinn visit. Estonia had previously contributed 21 million euros. Michal called for more effective air defence and linked support for Ukraine to Estonia’s security, while Rutte praised the country’s defence spending and assistance.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced another 10 million euros for Ukraine through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s PURL arms-financing initiative. He made the announcement during NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, on 14 October. The initiative finances weapons purchased in the United States for Ukraine.[1], [2]
Estonia had previously contributed 21 million euros to the programme. Michal said Ukraine needed additional weapons, especially more effective air defence, and presented assistance as part of Estonia’s own security. He put military aid at 0.28 per cent of gross domestic product this year, compared with 0.35 per cent last year.[1]
Rutte praised Estonia’s defence spending, which he put at 5 per cent of gross domestic product, and its assistance to Ukraine. His visit was part of a tour of NATO’s eastern flank. He also said the United States continued intelligence sharing with Ukraine despite largely pausing weapons donations. Michal described lessons from Ukraine’s war experience for Estonia’s military capability and defence industry. The additional funding announcement did not identify a completed weapons delivery.[1]
