The Center for Combating Corruption (CPC) appealed to the National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) with a statement on possible abuse of power by the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. The reason for the statement was the situation with the contract of the Director of the Defense Procurement Agency (AF) Marina Bezrukova and the dismissal of two members of the Supervisory Board, who supported her candidacy.
According to the CPC, Umerov violated the provisions of the AOP charter, which enshrines the exclusive right of the Supervisory Board to resolve personnel issues regarding the director. In particular, the charter stipulates that such decisions are not within the competence of the Ministry of Defense.
The CPC also notes that, according to the legislation of Ukraine, the Minister's actions aimed at non -reconciliation of a contract with Bezrukaya are contrary to the interests of the country's defense capability.
Quote from the CPC's statement:
"The Minister's decision was intentionally made with the abuse of power and office, which led to grave consequences for the defense sector."
Chronology of events
- January 2024 : The AOO Supervisory Board voted to continue Marina Bezrukova's contract for one year.
- January 24, 2024 : Rustem Umerov submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers a submission for dismissal of his deputy Dmitry Klimenkov and stated that the contract with Bezruk would not continue.
- The reaction of the Supervisory Board : Taras Chmut and Yuri Dzhigir, members of the Council, were released, which caused anxiety about usurpation of the Council's powers by the Minister.
Marina Bezrukova led the Defense Procurement Agency on January 29, 2024. Its purpose has become part of the reform in the defense sector aimed at enhancing the transparency and efficiency of public procurement. However, the tensions between the Minister and the AOP leadership indicate possible internal conflicts in the management of defense resources.
This situation demonstrates how political decisions can influence the functioning of strategic state bodies, especially in war conditions. The allegations suggest the ability of the Ministry of Defense to effectively manage defense resources and cooperate with accountable structures.
The results of NABU investigation can have serious consequences for both Rustem Umerov's reputation and reforms in the defense sector.
