The issue surrounding appointing the Defense Procurement Agency's leadership must be resolved immediately and strictly by current legislation. It should be addressed in a way that does not jeopardize the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine or undermine the trust of international partners.
In NAKO’s view, the following steps should be taken:
• Bring the statutes of state enterprises, amended in December 2024, in line with Ukrainian legislation;
• The Ministry of Defense must immediately propose and submit for approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine candidates for state representatives on the Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency to ensure the Board’s legitimacy;
• The Supervisory Board should take measures to organize proper operations and conduct an audit of the Agency’s activities;
• Appoint an acting director of the Defense Procurement Agency until a permanent leader is selected;
• At the same time, the Supervisory Board must take urgent steps to prepare for the competitive selection process for the Director of the Defense Procurement Agency position.
It should be noted that Ukraine's international partners are very concerned about appointing the Defense Procurement Agency’s leadership. This issue was discussed during meetings in Brussels, where NAKO representatives are present.
However, all European counterparts have clearly understood the importance of uninterrupted assistance to Ukraine, including the financing of arms procurement.
NAKO's position is aligned with that of the Public Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which includes NAKO representatives among its members.
On January 24, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, contrary to the decision of the Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency, announced his intention to dismiss Marina Bezrukova, the Agency's head, and appoint Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of the State Logistics Operator, in her place. He also announced plans to remove state representatives from the agency's Supervisory Board.