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Estonia's minister: NATO should spend more on defense to protect 'rules-based order'

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It is "vital" that all NATO members spend at least 3% of their gross domestic product on defense, Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu told BBC. He described Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine as a "game-changer."

"To defend our values – the rules-based order – we need also to invest in the weapons,” said Reinsalu.

He urged Western countries to give more heavy weapons to Ukraine without "any political caveats" and added that Kyiv shouldn't be pressured into making concessions towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to NATO estimations, Estonia will spend 2,3% of its GDP on defense in 2022; Estonian ministers promise the country will increase this number to 3% by 2024.

On Oct. 4, Estonian President Alar Karis called Ukraine a "worthy ally" and supported Ukraine's application for fast-track NATO accession.

Estonia’s ex-President Kaljulaid: Bringing Ukraine closer to EU can set example for Russia
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The Kyiv Independent news desk

We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.

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The list includes Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's defense minister and previously the longest-serving prime minister, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Deputy Presidential Office head and ex-commander Pavlo Palisa, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, the first deputy foreign minister and one of Ukraine's key negotiators.

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