"Better give them money": Estonia's Defense Minister urged Western nations not to send troops to Ukraine.

The Estonian Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, stated that he does not consider it a good idea to send a contingent of Western troops to Ukraine, as the risks associated with such actions significantly outweigh the benefits.

The minister made this comment to the publication The Hill.

“As far as I know, the Ukrainians will be able to handle all of this if we can provide them with everything they need to fight against Russia,” Pevkur said, referring to the acute personnel shortage in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

He emphasized that Ukraine needs to invest more funds into its own military production, and Western countries should assist Kyiv in this regard.

According to Pevkur, Ukrainians are producing six to seven times more howitzers per year than France, and the country's military industry is capable of manufacturing military equipment worth approximately $30 billion annually.

“So, when you have nothing to give from your own stockpiles (of weapons), give them money,” the Estonian Minister of Defense urged.

The issue of sending Western troops to Ukraine was first raised earlier this year by French President Emmanuel Macron. He stated that this could happen in the event of a deep breakthrough on the front towards Kyiv and Odesa, along with a corresponding request from Kyiv.

The Estonian government then supported Macron's initiative, clarifying that it was considering the possibility of sending its troops to western Ukraine for logistical support of the AFU.

However, several European countries, including Germany and Italy, declared that such plans were not feasible. NATO also emphasized that it has no intention of sending its soldiers to Ukraine.

Background. Le Monde reported the day before, citing its own sources, that France and the United Kingdom are once again discussing the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. Recently, this scenario gained new momentum due to the visit of British Prime Minister Starmer to France, the publication noted.