Estonian defmin: Europe has the means to do more to support Ukraine

TALLINN - In his speech at the Berlin Security Conference on Wednesday, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur underscored the urgent need to support Ukraine on their path to victory, stating that Europe has the necessary resources to do so.

"One thousand days after the start of the war of aggression, Ukraine needs our support more than we have been able to provide so far. Europe has the resources to contribute more, but we must mobilize them quickly. The European Union allocated over two trillion euros for recovery from the pandemic, and globally, around one trillion euros was spent on energy subsidies last year. If there is the will, we are certainly capable of providing greater military assistance to Ukraine," Pevkur said.

In his speech, the minister underlined that conventional warfare has not disappeared. Ensuring credible deterrence requires focusing on the creation of capabilities necessary for large-scale wars.

"European countries must increase their defense spending. The European Union must aim for a shared goal of allocating at least 3 percent of GDP to defense. This is not an easy task -- reaching the 3 percent level would require Europe's defense spending to grow by at least 100 billion euros annually," the defense minister stated.

Speaking about transatlantic relations, Pevkur stressed the importance of Europe's resolve.

"While focusing on defending ourselves and Ukraine, we must also think about the future of transatlantic defense relations. The United States is and will remain Europe's strongest ally," he said.

In conclusion, Pevkur noted that Europe faces unprecedented challenges in supporting Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression and in strengthening its own defense capabilities. However, these challenges also provide an opportunity for Europe to take responsibility for its own security.

"The Ukrainians have proven their power, strength, and determination by standing up to the aggressor in the most difficult circumstances. Let us prove ourselves worthy of being called their friends," Pevkur concluded.