The Ukrainian government on Tuesday confirmed the dismissal of deputy defence minister Dmytro Klimenkov following accusations of insufficient arms purchases.
Criticism has been mounting in Ukraine over the inadequate equipment of the military fighting against Russia.
In a post foreshadowing his decision to sack Klimenkov last week, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote: “The sole criterion the Ministry of Defense places before the Defense Procurement Agency is to ensure that the frontlines are fully and promptly equipped with all necessary weapons.
“Regrettably, over the past six months, instead of the timely supply of ammunition to our army, we have witnessed political games, leaks of contracts, and leaks of information,” he said.
Umerov also announced he would dismiss the head of the defence procurement agency, Maryna Bezrukova. However, the decision lies with the agency’s supervisory board, and she is refusing to leave.
The ambassadors of the G7 countries in Kiev called for an end to the crippling dispute over procurement.
“Consistency with good governance principles and NATO recommendations is important to maintain the trust of the public and international partners,” they wrote in a post on X.
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