Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Estonian Defence Minister Quits Over €70 Million Ukraine Shell Deal
Estonia made a deal worth €70 million to buy artillery shells for Ukraine.
The suppliers reportedly had never sold artillery shells before.
One company mentioned was Datasel, a small Italian shell company.
Datasel had reportedly been bought by an Indian family business.
That business reportedly had no experience making artillery ammunition.
Estonia paid money in advance under the deal.
The payments have not been recovered.
Estonia is now challenging the contracts in arbitration in Strasbourg, and the defence minister has quit amid the controversy.
Estonia’s defence minister quit amid controversy over a €70 million deal to supply artillery shells to Ukraine.
Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported that the suppliers had no previous record of selling artillery shells.
The companies reportedly included Datasel, described as a small Italian shell company acquired by an Indian family business.
The Indian-owned business reportedly had no prior experience producing artillery ammunition.
Estonia is challenging the contracts in arbitration proceedings in Strasbourg, while the money paid has not been recovered.
- Who
- Estonia’s defence minister, Estonian authorities, Datasel, and an Indian family business were involved in the reported controversy.
- What
- A €70 million procurement deal for artillery shells intended for Ukraine is being disputed.
- When
- The articles do not specify when the minister quit or when the contracts were signed.
- Where
- The arbitration proceedings are taking place in Strasbourg; the suppliers reportedly included an Italian company and an Indian-owned business.
- Why
- Estonia is disputing the contracts after concerns were reported about the suppliers’ lack of experience selling or producing artillery ammunition and because the paid money has not been recovered.
- Deal value
- €70 million
- Purpose
- Supply artillery shells to Ukraine
- Reported supplier experience
- The suppliers had no previous track record of selling artillery shells
- Company mentioned
- Datasel, described as a small Italian shell company
- Ownership reported
- Datasel was acquired by an Indian family business
- Arbitration location
- Strasbourg
- Payment status
- Money paid under the deal had not been recovered