Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced his resignation on the evening of September 2, 2026. He made the announcement on ERR’s flagship news program Aktuaalne kaamera, following a critical report by the National Audit Office and a scandal over a €70 million advance payment for artillery shells intended for Ukraine.
Pevkur, who has held the post since July 2022, said he was taking political responsibility for the entire defense sector. A minister does not count ammunition or negotiate contracts, he said, but auditors’ findings regarding the Defense Forces and the Centre for Defence Investment (RKIK) raise the question of leadership accountability.
“A leader must have the courage and stature to take responsibility even when it is not personal. I am prepared to take that responsibility, I am taking it, and the prime minister will have to find a new defense minister,” Pevkur said.
The National Audit Office was unable to confirm the accuracy of inventory records worth about €1.2 billion. A separate 2024 deal also came to light: RKIK paid €70 million in advance to the Italian-registered company Datasel S.R.L., linked to an Indian manufacturer. The firm had never previously sold a single shell; no deliveries were made, and the dispute has gone to court. There is a risk that the money will have to be covered from Estonia’s state budget.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal had earlier said he saw no personal fault on the minister’s part, but that this did not rule out political responsibility. Pressure came from both the opposition and parts of the coalition.
Parliament (the Riigikogu) must approve the resignation. The autumn session begins on September 14, so Pevkur will remain in office at least until mid-September. A successor has not yet been named.