**Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Fires Head of Defense Procurement Agency**
The head of Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), Maryna Bezrukova, has been officially dismissed by the Defense Ministry. The ministry cited several reasons for her removal, including failure to meet delivery plans and other violations.
**Reasons for Firing**
The Defense Ministry said that Bezrukova failed to fulfill planned deliveries for the front, had poor procurement planning and delays, lacked timely communication with the General Staff, and leaked classified information. These alleged failures will be investigated.
**Background Tensions**
Bezrukova was suspended on January 24 by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who appointed Arsen Zhumadilov as temporary director of the DPA. This move sparked a week of escalating tensions between the ministry and the agency.
**Reactions to Firing**
The firing of Bezrukova has sparked backlash from Ukrainian law enforcement and other organizations. The Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC) accused the Defense Ministry of a “hostile takeover” and alleged that it manipulated the state enterprise register to legitimize Zhumadilov’s appointment.
**International Reactions**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern over the situation, saying that Ukraine is being “funded a stalemate” that has set them back 100 years. The G7 ambassadors also urged a swift resolution, stressing the need for uninterrupted arms procurement.
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