Two buses will be given to Zhytomyr Oblast, which is a focus region for Estonia’s reconstruction activities and where a kindergarten and bridge built by Estonians were completed this year. Two buses will go to two cities in Kharkiv Oblast. The buses will help manage the damage to the transport system in Ukraine and ensure the mobility of the population, in particular ahead of winter.
“Ukrainians have demonstrated their resilience and bravery in fighting Russia’s aggression, and the aim of our humanitarian aid is to support their efforts – especially as winter is approaching and Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure are growing. We cannot afford war fatigue and we must support Ukrainians as much and for as long as they need,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. “The buses will help Ukraine manage the damage inflicted on their transport system and ensure the continuation of normal life in regions, especially in light of the coming winter. I am very happy that we have a chance to send very practical assistance to Ukraine once again,” he said.
In 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a total of 44 buses to Ukraine, which were taken off routes in Estonia and donated by the Transport Authority. The buses were repaired with costs covered by the Foreign Ministry, and then sent to the Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts and to Bucha.
So far, Estonia has given Ukraine humanitarian aid worth an estimated €25.3 million, with €6.3 million coming from the public sector. A great and unprecedented contribution in this aid has come from the private sector and third sector – today’s donation to the Zhytomyr and Kharkiv oblasts is an example of the support of Estonia’s private sector.
