Estonia urges investment in Ukrainian defence over foreign troops
Ukraine requires investments in its own defence industry, not in foreign troops fighting Russia, stated Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
According to him, the risk associated with the involvement of Western troops in military actions "outweighs the benefits."
"From what I know, Ukrainians will be able to handle it if we provide them with everything they need to fight Russia," Pevkur said in an interview with The Hill.
He emphasized that Ukraine should invest more in its military production and Western countries should support Kyiv. According to Pevkur, Ukrainians produce six to seven times more howitzers annually than France, and the country's defence industry can produce military equipment worth approximately $30 billion annually.
"So when you don’t have anything to give from your own stockpiles, give them money," noted the Estonian defense minister.
Debate on sending troops
French President Emmanuel Macron first raised the issue of sending Western troops to Ukraine at the beginning of this year. He indicated that a significant breakthrough on the front and a proper request from Kyiv would be conditions for such a move.
The Estonian authorities supported Macron, noting that they are considering sending their troops to western Ukraine to provide logistical support for Ukraine's armed forces. However, many European countries, including Germany and Italy, have ruled out such plans. NATO also declared that it did not intend to send its soldiers to Ukraine.
American contractors in Ukraine
At the beginning of November, the USA permitted sending American contractors to Ukraine to repair and maintain Patriot air defence systems and F-16 fighters. However, according to Pentagon data, by the end of November, these contractors had not yet reached Ukraine.
Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna previously urged European countries to prepare for the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine in case US President-elect Donald Trump negotiates a ceasefire. In his view, EU troops would serve as a security guarantee for Ukraine and protect it from new Russian aggression.
