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Hanno Pevkur

Estonian Minister of Defence
Hanno Pevkur was born on April 2, 1977, in Iisaku, Estonia. He received his law degree from the Tallinn School of Economics in 1998 and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tartu in 2002. Before 2000, he worked as a lawyer, and then held various positions in local government and served as Minister of Social Affairs, Minister of Justice, and Minister of the Interior. Since 2022, and again from July 2024, he has held the position of Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia. He actively supports military aid to Ukraine.
2007
Elected as a member of the 11th Riigikogu
2009
Appointed Minister of Social Affairs
2012
Appointed Minister of Justice
2012
Became President of the Estonian Volleyball Federation
2014
Appointed Minister of the Interior
2017
Elected Chairman of the Estonian Reform Party, which he led until 2018
2022
Assumed the position of Minister of Defence
News by theme
Sweden to buy four frigates from France for $4 billion to strengthen Baltic Sea security

Sweden will purchase four FDI frigates for $4 billion to protect the Baltic Sea. The first ship will join the fleet in 2030.

News of the World • May 19, 01:52 PM • 2372 views
In Estonia, a NATO fighter jet shot down a drone for the first time – MinisterPhoto

A NATO fighter jet shot down a drone over the Estonian lake Võrtsjärv. The debris fell near the village of Kablaküla; there are no casualties among the civilian population.

News of the World • May 19, 11:07 AM • 3623 views
The cost of military equipment in Europe has risen by up to 60% due to rearmament and Russia's war against Ukraine – Estonian Ministry of Defense

Weapon prices in Europe have surged by 60% due to the war and NATO rearmament. Estonia's Minister of Defense stated there is critical pressure on state budgets.

Economy • May 16, 10:55 PM • 4881 views
Estonia considers purchasing Ukrainian missiles and drones due to delays in US arms supplies

Due to delays in HIMARS deliveries, Estonia is considering purchasing Ukrainian long-range weapons. Ukrainian developments will allow striking targets at a distance of over 1000 km.

News of the World • April 23, 02:38 AM • 4660 views
"It's unlikely" - Mark Rutte ruled out the possibility of the US leaving NATO

The NATO Secretary General considers a US withdrawal unlikely and calls on Europe to increase defense spending. Washington remains a key guarantor of the Alliance's security.

Politics • April 18, 09:58 AM • 6066 views
US will help Estonia in case of Russian attack - Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur

Hanno Pevkur is confident in Washington's support and NATO's steadfastness. He called on Europe to invest more in defense and resolve the conflict in Iran.

Politics • April 17, 07:58 AM • 3711 views
Great Britain and European allies discussed the confiscation of Russian "shadow fleet" tankers

UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.

Politics • February 14, 03:45 PM • 4605 views
Some in Europe fear that €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine could divert from bilateral support, discussing "burden-sharing" - report

Northern European countries are concerned that the EU loan to Ukraine could lead partners to abandon bilateral support. This renews discussions about burden-sharing between Northern and Southern Europe.

Politics • February 12, 12:57 PM • 10391 views
Estonia allocates €3.5 million to Ukraine for the purchase of Starlink systems within the IT Coalition

Estonia will allocate €3. 5 million to Ukraine for the purchase of Starlink communication systems. The funds, earmarked for 2025, will be channeled through the IT Coalition, led by Estonia and Luxembourg.

Politics • November 15, 10:48 AM • 4957 views
Estonia pledged $12 million to the PURL initiative for Ukraine

Estonia will contribute $12 million to the fourth PURL package, which it calls the Baltic Nordic package, to finance American weapons for Ukraine. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur expects contributions from other allies, as the share of US contributions has significantly decreased.

Politics • October 15, 10:10 AM • 4064 views
Lithuania announced it would allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP to Ukraine's defense

Lithuania commits to allocating at least 0. 25% of its GDP to Ukraine's defense and security needs. This was stated by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, confirming an unwavering belief in Ukraine's victory.

Politics • October 6, 10:41 AM • 3166 views
Pentagon chief on Russian MiG-31s in Estonian skies: Russian invasion of NATO airspace unacceptable

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth condemned Russia's invasion of NATO airspace, declaring US solidarity with Estonia. Three Russian MiG-31s violated Estonian airspace on September 19.

News of the World • September 24, 05:51 AM • 2986 views
US will help Poland and Baltic states in case of escalation from Russia - Trump

Donald Trump stated that he would provide assistance in defending Poland and the Baltic states if Russia continues its escalation. This statement came amid the absence of US guarantees regarding the retention of troops in the Baltics and the reduction of Pentagon programs.

Politics • September 21, 03:03 PM • 10464 views
Estonia confirms aid to Ukraine for 2026: over 100 million euros

Estonia will continue to provide aid to Ukraine at 0. 25% of its GDP, which amounts to over 100 million euros. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the support, including training and IT solutions in the defense sector.

Politics • September 14, 12:36 PM • 11788 views
Next after Latvia: Estonia partially closes its airspace

Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Andrus Merilo proposed to ban flights near the eastern border. The ban will be in effect from 8 PM to 7 AM for several weeks, covering the airspace from Pedassaar Island to Estonia's eastern border.

News of the World • September 12, 05:09 PM • 4202 views
Estonia blames Russian jamming for explosion of likely Ukrainian drone - Bloomberg

Estonia blames Russian jamming for a drone explosion on its territory. It was likely a Ukrainian drone that deviated from its course due to Russian electronic interference in the Baltic region.

News of the World • August 26, 11:58 AM • 3143 views
NATO may deploy army corps in Estonia - Media

The Estonian Ministry of Defense announced the possible deployment of a German-Dutch NATO corps in Pärnu. This is part of the Alliance's strategic plan for the Baltic region, which involves creating infrastructure for 100-200 people.

Politics • August 3, 09:51 AM • 13176 views
US did not provide guarantees for maintaining its troops in the Baltic states - Bloomberg

Defense ministers of the Baltic states did not receive guarantees from the US regarding maintaining the number of American troops on NATO's eastern flank. The US promises to discuss a possible troop withdrawal with allies.

News of the World • July 30, 08:22 PM • 4132 views
Estonia is ready to accept NATO nuclear fighters: Kremlin commented - it's a "dangerous desire"

Estonia has confirmed its readiness to host F-35 aircraft of the North Atlantic Alliance on its territory, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called this "dangerous" for Russia.

Politics • June 27, 12:49 PM • 3568 views
Putin may become even more dangerous after the end of the war in Ukraine - Western intelligence agencies

Western intelligence agencies suggest that in the event of a truce, Russia may transfer troops to the borders of Finland, Norway, the Baltic countries and Belarus. The infrastructure is already ready.

War in Ukraine • May 19, 12:31 PM • 6499 views
Denmark allocates over $40 million to Ukraine for artillery ammunition

Denmark will finance the transfer of various types of artillery ammunition to Ukraine through Estonia. The Danish Minister of Defense emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine's struggle for freedom.

Politics • April 23, 05:26 PM • 3304 views
Estonia raises concerns about US-Russia deal by May 9 and calls for help for Ukraine

Hanno Pevkur expressed concern about a possible deal between the US and Russia by May 9. He called for increased military and financial assistance to Ukraine to prevent an undesirable outcome.

War in Ukraine • April 11, 08:49 AM • 9522 views
Ceasefire in Ukraine will increase the threat from Russia to the Baltic countries - FT

Defense ministers of the Baltic countries warn that a truce in Ukraine will allow Russia to rearm and transfer troops to their borders. The countries call on NATO not to weaken the defense of the eastern flank.

Politics • March 30, 08:53 AM • 142636 views
Estonia will provide Ukraine with military assistance for another €100 million

Estonia will provide Ukraine with military assistance worth 100 million euros, purchasing goods from the domestic defense industry. The list includes drones, ground vehicles and medical equipment.

War in Ukraine • March 22, 12:20 PM • 34021 views
Ukraine and Estonia signed a defense memorandum: what does the document provide for

The Defense Ministers of Ukraine and Estonia sign a memorandum on military assistance for 2024-2027. Estonia will allocate 0.25% of GDP for material assistance, an IT coalition, and training for the Ukrainian military.

War in Ukraine • November 20, 08:30 PM • 53064 views
Estonia announces new military aid package for Ukraine: what it will include

The Estonian government has approved another military aid package for Ukraine, including equipment and ammunition. Total assistance from Estonia has already exceeded 500 million euros, which is 1.4% of the country's GDP.

War in Ukraine • November 16, 12:44 PM • 28431 views
Estonia announces new military aid package for Ukraine: what it will include

Zelenskiy meets with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss military aid. Estonia will provide a new support package and consider financing the production of drones in Ukraine.

War in Ukraine • November 11, 07:46 PM • 29727 views
Ukraine's victory plan welcomed by defense ministers of several NATO countries

The defense ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Sweden supported Ukraine's Victory Plan. They called for increased support for Kyiv and acceleration of Ukraine's movement toward NATO membership.

War in Ukraine • October 17, 11:55 AM • 12161 views
Estonia hopes to see further steps toward Ukraine's NATO accession

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur reiterated his interest in promoting Ukraine's accession to NATO. He emphasized that membership in the Alliance is the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine.

Politics • October 17, 09:21 AM • 12819 views
Estonia is interested in purchasing Ukrainian-made weapons

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has expressed interest in purchasing Ukrainian defense products. Estonia is considering purchasing long-range missiles if Ukraine agrees to export them.

Politics • October 13, 02:15 PM • 25396 views