KYIV -- Ukrainian authorities said a criminal probe has been launched into Defense Minister Rustem Umerov for his failure to comply with an order to extend the contract of the chief of the Defense Procurement Agency (AOZ), in what appears to be a burgeoning dispute over arms procurement procedures.
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on January 28 told RFE/RL it had launched the probe into the possible abuse of power or official position by Umerov due to his refusal to renew the contract of AOZ head Maryna Bezrukova and his dismissal of two members of its Supervisory Board.
NABU said the Umerov probe was initiated following a complaint filed by the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), a nongovernmental organization.
The news of the Umerov probe came hours after Ukraine's cabinet officially fired Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov as part of a shakeup of the Defense Ministry's procurement operations.
The moves highlight what is seen as a pressing need for management reform in a sector critical to Ukraine's defense as it fights to repel Russia's full-scale invasion launched nearly three years ago.
Ukraine Invasion: News & Analysis
RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Briefing gives you the latest developments on Russia's invasion, Western military aid, the plight of civilians, and territorial control maps. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.
Umerov did not immediately comment on the news, which was announced late in the evening on January 28.
He had been appointed to his post by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September 2023.
The NABU said in a statement that the abuse of power or official position, if proven, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to six years, along with fines and other sanctions. It also stated that a suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Earlier in the day, Klimenkov’s firing was announced by the government, saying he was dismissed in accordance with a pledge by Umerov to restructure procurement in the Defense Ministry.
In a televised broadcast on January 24, Umerov vowed to fire "all those who didn't do their job properly" and set comprehensive reforms under way within the AOZ.
Umerov also renounced the contract renewal of AOZ director Bezrukova and two state representatives, Taras Chmut and Yuriy Dzhihir, were replaced on the supervisory board.
Umerov said the new director of AOZ would be Arsen Zhumadilov, who heads the State Logistics Operator. Zhumadilov has since confirmed his acceptance of the role.
The moves came on the heels of a controversial decision by AOZ's supervisory board a week ago to unanimously extend Bezrukova's contract for one year.
The Defense Ministry immediately appealed the decision citing procedural irregularities. Bezrukova has since warned that the ongoing legal dispute could disrupt crucial procurement activities, particularly the supply of ammunition.
SEE ALSO: The New Drones Boosting Russia's Advances On The Battlefield In UkraineThe situation at the Defense Ministry has attracted international attention.
In a joint statement, G7 ambassadors have called for a swift resolution to the matter, the implementation of governance reforms, and adherence to NATO principles.
The statement underscores the importance of maintaining public and international confidence in Ukraine's procurement systems, particularly as Western allies debate continued military support for Kyiv.
The AOZ, established in mid-2022, was intended to streamline the acquisition of arms as Russia escalated its aggression against Ukraine.
However, its performance has been criticized for inefficiency and lax governance. Bezrukova, who took over as director in early 2024, has faced mounting criticism for her management style.