Estonian defence minister to resign amid scandal over Ukraine shell procurement

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur announced his intention to step down during an interview on the ETV programme "Aktuaalne kaamera". The decision follows criticism from the National Audit Office concerning the Defence Forces and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (RKIK).

Pevkur said that as minister he must accept political responsibility for his entire ministry's area, even without personal fault. He said he would hand over the post to a successor at a time convenient for the prime minister, adding he believed the decisions taken had strengthened national security.

Background of the scandal

Pevkur has led the defence ministry since 2022. His resignation announcement came after it emerged that Estonia had attempted to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine and paid a total of 70 million euros in advance to Indian companies that had not previously delivered any ammunition.

Former RKIK head Magnus-Valdemar Saar said no major decisions were made without coordination with the ministry's leadership, adding that former chancellor Kusti Salm and current chancellor Kaimo Kuusk were also informed of contract details. Pevkur admitted he had not personally read the contracts but confirmed RKIK had provided him with the documents.

The minister noted that although he does not personally negotiate contracts, the audit office's criticism of the Defence Forces and the investment centre raises a question of political accountability.

Political context

A special committee of Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, earlier held hearings on the audit office's report, which pointed to systemic problems and confusion in the defence sector's accounting. After the report was published, leaders of the Eesti 200 faction, the Social Democratic Party and the Isamaa party publicly called for Pevkur's resignation. Prime Minister Kristen Michal has scheduled a cabinet meeting for the morning of 3 September to receive the auditor general's report.