Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:39am on 04 Sep 2026,Friday International
Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned, taking political responsibility for problems surrounding a €70 million ammunition procurement deal intended to supply artillery shells to Ukraine. The agreement, signed in 2024, involved Italy-registered Datasel S.R.L., owned by Indian company Neco Defence Munitions. Reports said the companies had no previous record of selling artillery ammunition when the contracts were awarded. Estonia had paid around €70 million upfront using European Union funds. The procurement later faced concerns over delays and ammunition requirements, triggering a dispute. Estonia’s National Audit Office criticised weaknesses in defence procurement, prompting Pevkur to step down.
