Kiev’s supporters express worry over army supply quarrel
(MENAFN) A dispute between Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the head of the country’s military procurement agency (DPA), Marina Bezrukova, has created “unease” among Kiev’s Western allies, according to the Washington Post. The conflict has the potential to disrupt Ukraine’s military supply chain and hamper Western arms purchases.
Umerov has criticized Bezrukova’s performance, seeking to override a decision by the DPA’s supervisory board to extend her contract. This has led the US- and EU-funded Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) to file a complaint against him, accusing him of abuse of power. The DPA, established in 2022 following NATO guidelines, is meant to be independent of the Ukrainian military, ensuring transparency and reducing conflicts of interest in military procurement.
Bezrukova has refused to resign and has accused Umerov of undermining the agency in violation of Ukraine’s laws and international commitments. The dispute has caused confusion among Ukraine's Western supporters, who are concerned about leadership instability within the procurement agency. The G7 has called for an expeditious resolution to ensure the continuity of defense procurement.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the DPA is considered a reliable partner by Ukraine’s EU backers, who plan to provide it with significant funds this year. However, the agency’s current paralysis has delayed arms purchases, raising concerns about Ukraine’s ability to maintain its defense efforts in the coming months.
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