Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is investigating Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for alleged abuse of power after he overruled a decision by the Defence Procurement Agency’s (DPA) supervisory board.
The controversy began last week when the board voted unanimously to extend the contract of DPA Director Maryna Bezrukova for another year. However, Umerov overruled the board’s decision, stating that Bezrukova’s performance was unsatisfactory. He instead appointed Rustem Zhmadilov, who also oversees the State Logistics Operator (DOT), a key agency involved in supplying the Ukrainian military.
Umerov argued that the DPA had become too public in its operations, comparing it to “Amazon” and noting that Ukraine sought to keep arms procurement details confidential. He also dismissed two members of the agency’s supervisory board, Taras Chmut and Yuriy Dzhyhyr, further escalating tensions.
In response, Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Centre filed a complaint with NABU, calling for an investigation into Umerov’s actions. The situation has attracted international attention, with G7 ambassadors urging swift resolution and the implementation of governance reforms in line with NATO principles.
Under Ukrainian law, the supervisory board has the authority to unilaterally hire and fire heads of state enterprises, meaning Bezrukova should have remained in her position. However, recent amendments to the DPA’s charter have granted the Ministry of Defence the power to reverse these decisions.
