Estonian minister calls for strict accountability over EU funds for Ukraine

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has said there is “no question” that accountability must be enforced regarding the European Union’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, amid an investigation involving the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over graft allegations.

“We need to have accountability in place,” Pevkur said during Euronews’ program Europe Today.

“It is definitely something Ukrainians are looking into very seriously because it is also important for them that there are no rumours or problems involved with that kind of assistance.

“At the end of the day, they need to secure support not only now but also for years to come – even after the war is over.”

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov attended Foreign Affairs Council talks, which focused primarily on defence issues. Pevkur said it was up to Fedorov to demonstrate how the funds would be used, both to reassure Ukrainians and to ease concerns among European partners.

“Ukrainians still need our assistance and help to rebuild Ukraine and support its path to becoming a normal European country,” he said.

“This is why it is first and foremost up to the Ukrainians to show both their own people and us that everything is in good shape.”

Ukraine is also expected to feature prominently at the Bucharest Nine (B9) summit in Romania on Wednesday, where allies on NATO’s eastern and northern flanks will discuss ways to strengthen their contribution to transatlantic security.

By Vafa Guliyeva