Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned following controversy over the advance payment of €70 million to Indian companies that had no previous record of selling artillery shells, in a procurement deal intended to provide ammunition for Ukraine.

According to Estonia’s public broadcaster ERR, the Estonian government paid the companies €70 million upfront to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, despite the firms having no prior history of supplying such ammunition.

Magnus-Valdemar Saar, who headed the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (RKIK) at the time, said major decisions could not be made without the approval of ministry officials.

Pevkur acknowledged in an interview with ERR’s Aktuaalne kaamera program that he had not personally read the contracts, although he confirmed that RKIK had brought the agreements to him.

Announcing his resignation, Pevkur said criticism from the National Audit Office over the activities of the military and RKIK had raised questions about political responsibility.

“Although a minister does not count socks or ammunition or conduct contract negotiations, the criticism by the National Audit Office, particularly regarding the activities of the military and RKIK, raises the question of political responsibility,” Pevkur said.

Pevkur said he had made the decision because he believed it was the right step for strengthening Estonia’s national defense.

“Estonia is better defended than ever,” he said.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the government would decide on a new defense minister next week.(ILKHA)