Umerov announced that the Defense Procurement Agency will be led by State Logistics Operator Jumadilov instead of Bezrukov (updated).

Earlier, the supervisory board of the joint-stock company extended the term of director Marina Bezrukova for another year.

https://mind.ua/news/20284321-umerov-zayaviv-shcho-agenciyu-oboronnih-zakupivel-zamist-bezrukovoyi-ocholit-kerivnik-derzhoperatora-til2025-01-25 07:19:50

The Ministry of Defense will not extend the contract with the Director of the Defense Procurement Agency, Marina Bezrukova. Instead, the agency will be led by Arsen Jumadilov, the head of another procurement agency of the Ministry of Defense – the State Rear Support Operator (DOT).

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated this information.

According to the minister, both agencies were in the same situation this year. One completed its tasks, while the other "only created media noise."

"Unfortunately, over the past six months, instead of timely supplying the army with ammunition, we have witnessed political games, contract 'leaks', information 'leaks' (law enforcement will definitely investigate these facts), PR of inaction, and the failure to meet KPIs by the subordinate enterprise of the Ministry of Defense," Umerov asserts.

He emphasized that during wartime, military procurement should be confidential; instead, "they have turned into 'Amazon', where every internet user can see in real-time who is buying what, in what quantities, and from which manufacturers." Umerov added that the scale of procurement is not comparable to the media PR – "our defenders at the front have not felt it at all."

The minister announced the dismissal of "everyone who has failed in this task": He submitted a request to the Cabinet to dismiss his deputy, Dmytro Klimentov, and removed two representatives of the state from the Supervisory Board of the Agency. These are Umerov's former deputy Yuriy Dzhyhyr, who heads the board, and the head of the 'Come Back Alive' foundation, Taras Chmut.

Umerov did not mention who would replace Jumadilov as head of the DOT.

The day before, the Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency extended Bezrukova's contract. An additional agreement to extend it for one year was signed by the head of the Supervisory Board of the Agency.

UPDATED at 20:27:

Jumadilov reported that he agreed to lead the Defense Procurement Agency. He will also remain the head of the DOT.

ADDED at 20:40:

Previously, Bezrukova mentioned in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda about the "deterioration of relations" with Umerov following the scandal involving low-quality 120mm mines. Just a few days before, a blog by MP Oleksandra Ustinova from the 'Holos' party criticizing the leadership of the Agency was published on UP.

At that time, the executive director of the NGO 'Center for Countering Corruption', Daria Kaleniuk, reported that the Minister of Defense intended to dismiss Marina Bezrukova from her position even before the establishment of the Supervisory Board of the Agency, in September 2024, and appoint Ustinova to this position.