In Estonia, a Ukrainian lawmaker allegedly tried to influence the distribution of aid through threats – media reports
Estonian officials stated that Arsen Pushkarenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament from the Servant of the People party, had pressured Estonian government officials in an attempt to influence the allocation of reconstruction funds. As a result, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended that diplomats cease working contacts with the lawmaker and informed Prime Minister Kristen Michal and the Security Police Department of the situation.
According to an investigation by Eesti Ekspress, the conflict between Pushkarenko and the Estonian Center for International Development and Cooperation (ESTDEV) escalated during a meeting in Tallinn on June 18. A memorandum to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the lawmaker demanded that funds be allocated to specific projects in the Zhytomyr region, threatened officials with legal action following the expected change in the Estonian government, and exerted media pressure.
In addition, according to sources, Pushkarenko took credit for facilities restored by Estonia and, without authorization, made promises on behalf of the Estonian side. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna informed the MP that cooperation in this format would be terminated, emphasizing that the country operates in accordance with agreements with the state of Ukraine, and that decisions regarding the use of funds are made in Estonia.
This is detailed in an investigation by Eesti Ekspress, based on interviews with more than 20 sources and documents.
Estonia has referred a dispute with Datasel S.R.L. regarding contracts to supply ammunition to Ukraine to the European Court of Arbitration in Strasbourg. The Estonian Defense Investment Center transferred advance payments totaling approximately 70 million euros to the company, but the ammunition was not delivered within the timeframes specified in the contracts.
Estonia will allocate 400,000 euros for urgent humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
