**Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Embroiled in Scandal**
The Ukrainian Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) has found itself at the center of a major wartime scandal. The agency’s head, Bezrukova, was temporarily suspended by the Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, and replaced with Arsen Zhumadilov.
However, the DPA has insisted that Bezrukova remains in charge as her contract was extended by the supervisory board. This decision was made despite the Defense Ministry’s attempt to override it.
The scandal began when Umerov announced on January 24th that he would be suspending Bezrukova and appointing Zhumadilov as her replacement. On January 25th, Bezrukova’s name was removed from a state register and replaced with Zhumadilov’s.
**Activists Accuse Defense Ministry of Undermining Reform**
The decision to suspend Bezrukova has been met with criticism from activists who argue that it undermines Ukraine’s defense procurement reform. They claim that the Defense Ministry is trying to take control of the agency, which would give them significant influence over $7 billion in annual funding.
Vitaliy Shabunin, co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC), has said that the amendments to the register replacing Bezrukova with Zhumadilov are unlawful. He believes that the Defense Ministry and Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak are working together to “legitimize” Zhumadilov as the new director.
**Investigation Launched**
On January 28th, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched a criminal investigation into potential abuse of power and office by Umerov. The investigation is looking into whether or not Umerov’s actions were lawful.
Ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) countries have called for a swift resolution to the crisis, urging that the uninterrupted continuation of weapons procurement be maintained. They also stressed the importance of adhering to governance standards.
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