Key Highlights
- Total Funding: €22 million allocated for demining equipment.
- Lithuania's Contribution: €15 million.
- Sweden's Contribution: €7 million.
- Equipment Purchased: Pickup trucks and trucks for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service.
- Coalition of Demining Capabilities: The agreement was reached during a meeting in Reykjavík, Iceland.
- Future Plans: Discussion of demining unit development plans until 2034.
- Previous Aid:
- On September 12, Lithuania sent M113 armored personnel carriers for demining to Ukraine.
- On September 28, Lithuania provided another batch of military aid.
- Sweden's Defense Budget: Proposal to increase defense spending to meet NATO's target of 2% of GDP between 2025 and 2030.
Details
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced that Lithuania and Sweden have committed to purchasing demining equipment worth €22 million to support Ukraine's needs in clearing mines and unexploded ordnance. This initiative is part of the efforts by the Coalition of Demining Capabilities to enhance Ukraine's demining operations.
The funds will be used to procure pickup trucks and trucks for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service. These vehicles are essential for transporting demining personnel and equipment to affected areas.
The decision was made during a meeting held in Reykjavík, Iceland, where members of the Coalition also discussed long-term plans for the development of demining units up to 2034. The Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude to their partners for their continued support in both combat and humanitarian demining efforts.
Background
Lithuania's Ongoing Support:
- On September 12, Lithuania provided Ukraine with M113 armored personnel carriers designed for demining operations.
- On September 28, Lithuania sent another batch of military aid, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Sweden's Defense Budget Increase:
- The Swedish government has proposed a significant increase in its defense budget for 2025-2030 to meet NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP on defense. This move indicates Sweden's dedication to strengthening defense cooperation with allies, including Ukraine.
Significance
The provision of demining equipment by Lithuania and Sweden is a crucial step in aiding Ukraine to address the challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance resulting from ongoing conflicts. Enhancing demining capabilities not only improves the safety of civilians but also facilitates the restoration of affected areas for agricultural and developmental use.
