The Anti-Corruption Action Center (ACC) has filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) regarding possible abuse of power by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The reason for the complaint was the non-renewal of the contract of the Director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) 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 AOZ 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 do not fall within the competence of the Ministry of Defense.
The CPC also notes that, according to Ukrainian legislation, the minister's actions aimed at not renewing the contract with Bezrukova contradict the interests of the country's defense capability.
Quote from the CPC statement:
"The minister's decision was made deliberately, with abuse of power and official position, which led to grave consequences for the defense sector.".
Chronology of events
- January 2024 : The Supervisory Board of AOZ voted to extend Marina Bezrukova's contract for one year.
- January 24, 2024 : Rustem Umerov submitted a petition to the Cabinet of Ministers to dismiss his deputy Dmitry Klimenkov and stated that the contract with Bezrukova would not be extended.
- Supervisory Board Reaction : Taras Chmut and Yuriy Dzyhyr, board members, were dismissed, raising concerns about the usurpation of the board's powers by the minister.
Marina Bezrukova headed the Defense Procurement Agency on January 29, 2024. Her appointment was part of a defense sector reform aimed at increasing the transparency and efficiency of government procurement. However, tensions between the minister and the AOZ 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 times of war. The allegations raise questions about the Ministry of Defense's ability to effectively manage defense resources and cooperate with accountable structures.
The results of the NABU investigation could have serious consequences for both Rustem Umerov's reputation and for reforms in the defense sector.
