Today 12 April, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets gave a speech at the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) to outline Estonia’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The people, public and private sector of Estonia have offered great support to Ukraine and its people – more than €13 million in total in humanitarian aid has been donated so far.
Due to the humanitarian crisis and the sharp increase in humanitarian aid needs in Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established its own humanitarian aid hub. “In more than a month, the hub has worked together with Estonian state agencies, companies and NGOs to coordinate several large aid shipments in response to Ukraine’s requests for food aid, temporary shelter and healthcare. The hub has also helped with transport when needed,” Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said.
She said that as of now, at least one in three people in Estonia have made a donation in support of Ukraine, which takes the total of various donations to more than €13 million. “Estonia is at the forefront of countries helping Ukraine – as of now, we have provided defence and humanitarian assistance worth €235 million. Additionally, in terms of population size, Estonia ranks fourth among countries admitting refugees from Ukraine,” the minister added.
Liimets emphasised that the people in Ukraine suffering due to Russia’s war are most urgently in need of food aid. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organised food aid worth €250 000. Together with private donors, Estonia has contributed more than €5 million in food aid. The foreign minister added that hundreds of pallets of food have been sent to Ukraine, most recently, several shipments of potatoes, canned fish, oatmeal and baby food arrived in Chernihiv this weekend. More shipments to Lviv and Chernihiv are being prepared.
“Another important area that Estonia contributes to through humanitarian aid is healthcare. Together with the private sector, Estonia has contributed more than €4 million,” the minister said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is sending medical aid worth more than €150 000, including wound sprays and first aid kits. In cooperation with Chemi-Pharm and the Centre for Defence Investments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent disinfectants to the Lviv regional hospital for cleaning hands, surfaces and equipment for both hospitals as well as ordinary people. Several shipments of medical equipment for first aid in Ukraine are being prepared. There are also preparations underway for posting medical teams and sending medical devices and equipment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent more than 5000 blankets, pillows and mattresses for the temporary shelters in Ukraine.
You can read more of the work of the humanitarian aid hub for Ukraine on the Foreign Ministry website where updated information on Estonia’s humanitarian aid for Ukraine is posted.
Additional information:
Communication Department
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