Estonia Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur resigns over €70m shell scandal

Hanno Pevkur ammunition procurement scandal Estonian Defence Ministry Datasel S. R. L. Ukraine military aid

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned following a major procurement scandal involving approximately €70 million in advance payments for artillery shells intended for Ukraine. The funds, provided through the EU’s European Peace Facility, were paid to Datasel S. R. L., an Italian-registered company owned by the Indian firm Neco Defence Munitions.

Investigations revealed that Datasel had no prior experience in manufacturing or selling artillery ammunition. While some shipments eventually arrived, they were reported to be defective or failed to meet quality requirements. The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK) had signed multiple contracts in 2024, but deliveries were repeatedly delayed.

Pevkur stated he was accepting political responsibility for the failures within the defense sector, despite noting that he does not personally manage contract negotiations or inventory. The resignation follows a report from Estonia's National Audit Office, which criticized the Ministry of Defence and the RKIK for serious deficiencies in financial management, contract oversight, and asset accounting. Estonia is currently pursuing the supplier through international arbitration in Strasbourg to recover the stranded funds.

Entities

Datasel S. R. L. · Estonia · Estonian Centre for Defence Investments · Estonian Ministry of Defence · Estonian National Audit Office · Hanno Pevkur · Kristen Michal · Neco Defense Munitions · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 22 SOURCES] The ammunition purchased through the deal was never delivered to Ukraine. giaoducthoidai.vn · offentligaaffarer.se · www.rador.ro · expres.mk · www.brif.mk · +17 more
[● 21 SOURCES] The contract was signed with Datasel S. R. L., an Italian company owned by the Indian firm Neco Defense Munitions. baotintuc.vn · estonianworld.com · tvrmoldova.md · www.brif.mk · brusselssignal.eu · +16 more
[● 26 SOURCES] Estonia paid approximately 70 million euros in advance for artillery shells intended for Ukraine. baotintuc.vn · giaoducthoidai.vn · offentligaaffarer.se · tvrmoldova.md · estonianworld.com · +21 more
[● 13 SOURCES] Estonia is pursuing the supplier through the courts and international arbitration. estonianworld.com · offentligaaffarer.se · www.brif.mk · borba.me · fjala.al · +8 more
[● 17 SOURCES] Estonia's National Audit Office issued a report criticizing the Ministry of Defence and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments for procurement and financial management failings. baotintuc.vn · estonianworld.com · offentligaaffarer.se · www.rador.ro · southfront.press · +12 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that while he does not see personal guilt in Pevkur, he acknowledges the need for political responsibility. www.rador.ro · borba.me · 6yka.com
[DISPUTED] Hanno Pevkur resigned as Estonia's Defence Minister. baotintuc.vn · giaoducthoidai.vn · www.paevauudised.ee · offentligaaffarer.se · tvrmoldova.md · +20 more
[DISPUTED] Hanno Pevkur will remain in his position until a successor is appointed, which is expected after the parliament returns from recess. estonianworld.com · southfront.press