US has promised to send weapons to Ukraine - Baltic defense ministers

  • 2022-01-23
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN – Estonian Minister of Defense Kalle Laanet, Latvian Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks and Lithuanian Minister of Defense Arvydas Anusauskas issued a press statement in support of Ukraine on Friday, noting that they had received the necessary approvals from the United States to send weapons and are continuing cooperation to send weapons to Ukraine quickly.

"Today, Ukraine is maintaining the front line separating Europe from military conflict with Russia," Estonian Minister of Defense Kalle Laanet was quoted by spokespeople as saying. "We must be precise -- the war in Ukraine is still going on today and it is important to give Ukraine full support so that they can resist the aggressor," he added. According to Laanet, he is glad that, in consultation with its allies, Estonia has decided to donate weapons systems to Ukraine.

"Today, we have reached the point where the necessary approvals for sending weapons from the United States are in place. By providing weapons aid, we are showing that our support is not expressed only in words. Allies are united, but we always need those who take the initiative. Estonia is definitely one of those countries," Laanet said.

According to the statement, Estonia will donate Javelin antitank missile systems to Ukraine, while Latvia and Lithuania will give them Stinger surface-to-air missiles and accessories to strengthen Ukraine's independent defense capabilities. The Baltic states will continue to cooperate in order to deliver weapons to Ukraine quickly. Defense ministers also hope that there will never be a need for Ukraine to actually use its weapons systems and that Russia will change its aggressive attitude.

"Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania jointly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the context of Russia's continuing aggression. The Baltic states will continue to support Ukraine not only diplomatically and politically, but also contribute to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities," the ministers said.

According to the ministers, due to Russia's increased military pressure in and around Ukraine, the Baltic states have decided to respond to Ukraine's wishes and provide additional defense assistance. This support will further enhance Ukraine's ability to protect its territory and population in the event of possible Russian aggression.

"The granting of assistance follows the agreement of the US government to transfer US-produced equipment to Ukraine," the ministers said.