Head of Ukraine’s Defence Procurement Agency appeals to Zelenskyy over ongoing controversy
Pravda Ukraine
Maryna Bezrukova, head of the state-owned Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), has appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting his intervention in the ongoing conflict surrounding the agency.
Details: Bezrukova published an open letter to Zelenskyy on her Facebook page
Quote: “The core issue is not merely an attempt to dismiss me but the actual dismantling of the institution, violating all possible laws and Ukraine’s international commitments,”
Details: She stated that the agency’s operations were effectively blocked for an entire week due to leadership changes. Bezrukova indicates that this situation threatens critical supplies for Ukraine’s Armed Forces, undermines trust among international partners and harms national security.
Quote: “Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces requires a different pace of work. It is impossible to manage the agency effectively while working only a few hours a day on a part-time basis.”
More details: Bezrukova has asked President Zelenskyy for three key steps:
- Halt the dismantling of the Defence Procurement Agency.
- Ensure that the conflict is resolved through legal means.
- Guarantee the stable and full functioning of the agency without pressure, obstruction, or attacks.
Background:
- The supervisory board of DPA decided to extend Bezrukova’s contract for another year, but the Ministry of Defence refused to approve this decision. Bezrukova was suspended for an internal investigation and Arsen Zhumadilov from the State Logistics Operator was appointed as acting head.
- On 31 January, the Ministry of Justice clarified the statuses of the heads of the Defence Procurement Agency, where roles have been constantly changing. The ministry stated that Bezrukova retains the status of head but is suspended, while Zhumadilov is serving as the acting head.
- The National Association of Ukraine’s Defence Industry (NAUDI) has also appealed to President Zelenskyy, urging him to intervene immediately to resolve the situation at the Defence Procurement Agency, whose operations are currently paralysed.
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