Estonia urges investment in Ukraine's defense industry

According to him, the risks associated with the involvement of Western troops in military actions "outweigh the benefits."

"As far as I know, Ukrainians can handle all of this, when we can deliver all what they need for fighting with Russia," Pevkur said in an interview with The Hill.

He emphasized that Ukraine should invest more in its own military production and that Western countries should support Kyiv in these efforts. According to Pevkur, Ukrainians can produce six to seven times more howitzers annually than France and the country's defense industry can generate military equipment valued at around 30 billion dollars annually.

"So when you don’t have anything to give from your own stockpiles, give them money," noted the Estonian defense minister.

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 necessary 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 has also declared it does not intend to send its soldiers to Ukraine.

At the beginning of November, the USA permitted sending American contractors to Ukraine to repair and maintain Patriot air defense 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 renewed Russian aggression.