Ukraine Dismisses Key Defense Officials Over Procurement Disputes

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov leads a shake-up in Ukraine's procurement agency, citing inefficiency and governance concerns as Western allies push for reforms.

• Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov was dismissed as part of a restructuring effort to address inefficiencies in Ukraine's defense procurement system.
• Defense Minister Rustem Umerov criticized the Defense Procurement Agency for operational failures and announced the appointment of Arsen Zhumadilov as its new director.
• The agency's outgoing director, Maryna Bezrukova, defended her record, highlighting reductions in intermediary involvement and cost savings, but faced allegations of mismanagement and contract disputes.
• Western allies, including G7 ambassadors, have urged Ukraine to resolve the dispute swiftly and adhere to NATO-aligned governance principles to maintain international trust.
• The controversy comes as Ukraine faces mounting challenges on the battlefield and risks losing critical Western military support if procurement inefficiencies persist.

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