Estonia’s defence minister resigns after €70m EU-funded shell deal for Ukraine

Estonia’s defence minister Hanno Pevkur announced his resignation after it emerged that €70 million from the EU’s European Peace Facility funded artillery shell purchases for Ukraine from companies with no prior shell-making track record; the deals are being challenged in Strasbourg, and authorities are weighing recovery of the funds. Pevkur acknowledged political responsibility but noted that defence ministers do not handle contract details, while auditors criticized defense spending and procurement agencies. Brussels said safeguards and recovery processes exist as Estonia faces potential repayment obligations.