A standoff in Ukraine's government arose between Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and weapons procurement head Maryna Bezrukova over contract renewals. Umerov sought to terminate Bezrukova, citing unsatisfactory performance, prompting her to assert that her contract was renewed and he lacked authority to override it. This conflict, occurring as Ukraine seeks continued US support against Russia, raised concerns among activists and lawmakers about a potential abuse of power and threats to anticorruption efforts. The procurement agency, with a $7 billion budget, plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparent arms acquisition, especially as Western supplies dwindle.
Ms. Bezrukova described Mr. Umerov's move to terminate her contract as an attack on the agency's anticorruption efforts, which are vital for transparency in military procurement.
Umerov's actions prompted condemnation from activists and lawmakers, suggesting that his attempt to terminate Bezrukova jeopardizes the integrity of weapons procurement.
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