Estonia transferred 70 million euros to an Italian company for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine. Zero shells in the end
Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur announced his resignation on September 2, taking political responsibility for the situation in the country's defense sector. The reason was a scandal surrounding the country's procurement of ammunition for Ukraine, writes Ekspress.delfi.ee.
Hanno Pevkur. Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Estonian Centre for Defense Investments (RKIK) transferred an advance payment of 70 million euros to the Italian company Datasel S.R.L. However, it turned out that this is effectively a shell company, backed by entrepreneurs from India. According to the publication Eesti Ekspress, the company has not sold a single shell to date.
Pevkur stated that the Minister of Defense does not engage in direct contract negotiations and does not check every detail of procurements. According to him, the selection of specific suppliers and the preparation of contracts fall within the responsibilities of RKIK.
At the same time, the minister acknowledged that as the head of the department, he nonetheless bears political responsibility for the entire defense sector. Therefore, he is ready to leave his post and stated that the prime minister must now find his replacement.
Pevkur has headed the Estonian Ministry of Defense since 2022. His resignation still needs to be approved by the parliament — Riigikogu. The autumn session of parliament begins on September 14, so Pevkur will continue to serve as minister until then.