Maroc - ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 07/Sep 14:22

Estonia to join US weapons procurement initiative for Ukraine

Estonia will participate in the procurement of U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative and is prepared to send a military contingent to Ukraine if such a step is approved by the Coalition of the Willing. Estonian President Alar Karis stated this at a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, according to Ukrinform correspondent. "The U.S.-NATO weapons initiative, PURL, is a great initiative in this direction. I want to stress today that Estonia supports this initiative fully and we will gladly participate in that effort. Estonia will continue to support Ukraine in defending its freedom," Karis said. He added that this year alone, Estonia has allocated 0.3% of its GDP to direct military aid for Ukraine and noted that the country's defense industry is increasingly cooperating with Ukraine's defense sector. He stressed that Ukraine deserves an end to the war but added that, as Estonia's own history shows, only "a well-guaranteed peace can be enduring and lasting peace." "The Estonian government is ready to contribute with troops to a Coalition of the Willing force to guarantee an eventual peace in Ukraine. We continue to participate in this planning,” he stated. At the same time, Karis stressed that Estonia's geographical proximity to Russia does not automatically translate into greater danger in modern warfare, given advances in missile technology. He also underlined the importance of maintaining a U.S. military presence in Europe and said he plans to meet with the Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe to discuss the matter. Read also: Estonian PM Affirms Nordic-Baltic Eight Stands United with Ukraine The post Estonia to join US weapons procurement initiative for Ukraine appeared first on Freedom.