The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has initiated criminal proceedings against Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in connection with possible abuse of power or official position, Ukrainian media reported.
A press release from the service states that the investigation was initiated in connection with a complaint filed by a civilian oversight body and that an investigation will be conducted to determine whether Umerov abused his power. Just hours earlier, the Ukrainian government dismissed Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov, who was responsible for public procurement of weapons.
NABU noted that the proceedings were registered regarding possible illegal actions by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, in particular, his possible commission of a crime provided for in Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of official position), suspilne.media reported.
The signal is related to Rustem Umerov's refusal to renew the contract of the head of the Defense Procurement Agency (AOZ) Marina Bezrukova and the dismissal of two members of the agency's Supervisory Board. Abuse of power or official position, if proven, is punishable by imprisonment for three to six years, as well as fines and other sanctions.
Radiosvoboda.org reports that the proceedings were initiated at the request of the Anti-Corruption Center. A number of public activists called the actions of the Minister of Defense pressure on the Defense Procurement Agency and called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to dismiss him.
Bezrukova said that the negotiation of ammunition and supplies through the Defense Procurement Agency may be blocked due to a legal conflict that arose in connection with the decision of the Minister of Defense.
From January 1, 2024, the Defense Procurement Agency is the only structure of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine that purchases weapons and military equipment for the Armed Forces. The creation of oversight boards for defense agencies was a key NATO recommendation to protect these structures from external pressure.