Estonia will donate 12 buses to the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine to restore transport links, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Iveco Irisbus buses previously served regular passenger lines in Estonia.

Three buses left for Zhytomyr on Saturday. 9 more will go there next week.

Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu explained that Estonia is committed to offering Ukraine all-around support, including helping them to restore their daily lives despite Russia's ongoing war.

I hope that these buses will help residents of the Zhytomyr region safely reach their destination.

Urmas Reinsalu

Early this summer, Estonia responded to Ukraine's call to select focus regions for reconstruction assistance. Estonia chose the Zhytomyr region. Buses depart in response to a request from Zhytomyr.

I am glad that, in cooperation with several agencies and companies, we can offer practical assistance with the buses that left today, as this is urgently needed.

Urmas Reinsalu

In June, Estonia sent five similar used buses to Bucha.

Estonia has provided more than 20 million euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, of which almost 19 million came from the private and third sectors.