Tallinn Pledge: 9 European countries to provide increased military assistance to Ukraine

The Tallinn Pledge was published on the website of the UK government on the eve of the Ramstein meeting. 

The signatories of the document confirmed their unchanging determination to support Ukraine in its heroic resistance against illegal and unprovoked Russian aggression.

“We condemn Russia’s attacks designed to terrorize Ukraine’s people, including intentional attacks against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure which may constitute war crimes. We reject Russia’s ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and its illegal claims to have annexed Ukrainian territory,” the statement says. 

The participants of the declaration promise Ukraine global military support, “maximum strategic and coordinated.” And they add that the new level of support involves the provision of tanks, anti-aircraft and anti-missile defenses, which act together with artillery and further deep, high-precision fire, which makes it possible to target Russian logistics and command posts in the occupied territory.

“Therefore, we commit to collectively pursuing delivery of an unprecedented set of donations including main battle tanks, heavy artillery, air defense, ammunition, and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine’s defense. This substantial assistance to Ukraine comes from our own national stocks, and resources illustrating the mutual understanding of the severity of the situation and our commitment to urgently increase and accelerate support for Ukraine. Having made this “Tallinn Pledge”, we shall head to the Ukraine Defence Group meeting in Ramstein tomorrow 20 January and urge other Allies and partners to follow suit and contribute their own planned packages of support as soon as possible to ensure a Ukrainian battlefield victory in 2023,” the statement says. 

Each of the countries also published a list of aid that it has already provided and plans to provide to Ukraine. Aid packages include training of the Ukrainian military, heavy equipment, and munitions. 

Thus, Denmark guaranteed the continuation of military and civilian support, in particular the provision of training for the Ukrainian military. It is also stated that Denmark provided or financed military aid worth EUR 600 million. 

Representatives of the Czech Republic declared further support to Ukraine by delivering military equipment in cooperation with partners and in accordance with Ukraine's needs. “We are working with our defense industry to increase its production capacity to provide even more support, especially in terms of the production of large-caliber ammunition, howitzers and armored personnel carriers. A key component of our contribution will be the maintenance of the equipment already delivered and the increase in maintenance capacity,” the message says.

The Estonian aid package consists of dozens of 155 mm FH-70 and 122 mm D-30 howitzers, thousands of 155 mm artillery ammunition, support equipment for artillery units, hundreds of Carl-Gustaf M2 anti-tank grenade launchers with ammunition. The total cost of assistance is about EUR 113 million. In addition, in 2023, Estonia will continue to provide basic and specialized training to hundreds of servicemen of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Latvia is preparing new aid with additional dozens of man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems (Stinger) and additional air defense elements, two M-17 helicopters, dozens of machine guns with ammunition, several dozen UAVs and spare parts for M109 howitzers.  Latvia also invests huge funds in the training of the Ukrainian military. In 2023, the country plans to train about 2,000 soldiers in various programs, ranging from basic infantry training to specialized courses.

The new package from Lithuania consists of dozens of L-70 anti-aircraft guns with tens of thousands of ammunition and two Mi-8 helicopters. The total cost is about EUR 85 million. The country is also investing EUR 40 million in purchases to support the Ukrainian military (anti-drones, optics, thermo-visual devices and drones). In addition, Lithuania will transfer EUR 2 million to the UK International Fund to finance projects for the acquisition of heavy weapons, such as artillery systems and ammunition, armored combat vehicles, etc. The total value of the Lithuanian support package is EUR 125 million. 

Poland will continue to provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine as long as necessary. The new Polish package consists of S-60 anti-aircraft guns with 70,000 ammunition. Poland has already delivered 42 infantry fighting vehicles along with training packages for two mechanized battalions. In addition, Poland continues deliveries of 155-mm KRAB howitzers and supplies Ukraine with various types of ammunition. It also constantly conducts medical and engineering training. In addition, Poland is ready to hand over a company of Leopard 2 tanks with 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

In addition to the already provided heavy equipment, Slovakia promised to continue intensive discussions with the Alliance members regarding the possibility of unlocking additional equipment for donations to Ukraine. Efforts are now focused on capabilities related to main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, air defense systems, and increased production of howitzers, mine clearance equipment, and ammunition. In addition, Slovakia will continue the training of the Ukrainian military and expand the training in accordance with Ukraine's requirements.

The UK has announced an aid package that includes Challenger 2 tanks with armored recovery and repair vehicles; 155 mm AS90 self-propelled guns, hundreds of armored and protected vehicles, Starstreak air defense missiles and medium-range air defense missiles; 600 Brimstone anti-tank ammunition; a package of equipment support for the modernization of up to a hundred Ukrainian tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The package is further complemented by the continuation of basic training and training of junior management for Ukraine's Armed Forces with 9 international partners. In order to train about 20,000 Ukrainian servicemen in 2023, the UK is also coordinating the International Fund for Ukraine, which, together with partners, has attracted almost GBP 600 million. The first package of support from the fund will be announced soon.