An official statement from the Estonian defense leadership rejects recent coverage suggesting Tallinn is funding a weapon modernization program at the expense of European partners and that outdated stock is being sent to Ukraine. The defense establishment calls the Politico report clearly false and emphasizes that the article does not reflect the reality of Estonia’s policy or its alliance commitments. The claim that Estonia has moved to replace weapons through external channels is described as a baseless mischaracterization by the ministry and its spokespersons.
According to the defense leadership, Estonia did not transfer Strela missile systems to Ukraine and did not plan to replace Stinger missiles in the way described by Politico. The ministry describes the article as a malicious distortion that undermines journalistic ethics and aims to sow distrust among allies. The ministry also noted that there could be actors who do not favor increasing military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that the publication may be part of a broader information effort against continued support.
The defense ministry explained that Estonia sought substantial compensation from the European Peace Facility for weapons it supplied as part of its broader aid program. In the early stages of the war, Estonia’s contribution to Ukraine was among the largest among Western allies outside the United States. The ministry cited concrete figures including tens of thousands of anti-tank mines, Javelin launcher systems, and automatic rifles shipped to Ukraine, along with a large volume of ammunition and other equipment. Officials stressed that these disposals occurred before certain European-level funding arrangements were in place and that the emphasis remained on delivering practical effects on the battlefield.
Estonia maintains that all equipment, weapons, and ammunition sent to Ukraine were in working order and had previously been part of the defense forces. The defense ministry said the main consideration has always been the impact on Ukraine’s frontline and the ability to deter aggression. According to its statement, the objective is to provide meaningful aid quickly when it is most needed, regardless of the condition or age of the items, as long as they perform on the battlefield.
Earlier reports from Politico alleged that Estonia was carrying out a weapon modernisation program at the expense of its EU peers and was shipping obsolete gear to Ukraine. Several European Union officials reportedly expressed privately that they were concerned about the plan, with some sources describing the shipments as less than optimal for Ukraine’s needs. The Estonian defense apparatus has contested these claims, reaffirming its commitment to transparent and accountable aid delivery and to maintaining solidarity among allied countries fighting together in Ukraine’s defense.
In summarizing the situation, Estonian authorities urge observers to distinguish between strategic modernization efforts and the immediate battlefield support that Ukraine requires. They insist that Estonia’s contributions have been consistent with international norms and alliance protections, and they caution against narratives that seek to frame the aid program as anything other than a constructive element of collective security. The defense ministry reiterated its readiness to cooperate with international partners to verify the provenance, condition, and impact of supplied equipment, and it underscored that the ultimate measure of success lies in Ukraine’s defensive capabilities on the ground.