Bezrukova stated that she will continue as the acting director of the Defense Procurement Agency, despite Umierov's claims.

The Director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), Marina Bezrukova, stated that she remains the head of the agency according to the law, despite the Ministry of Defense's refusal to extend her contract.

She mentioned this during a broadcast on Suspilne.

Bezrukova noted that her position is in line with the legislation, as the Supervisory Board reached a unanimous decision to extend her contract. The draft decision was sent to the Ministry of Defense.

She expressed her shock at the defense minister's statement regarding the non-renewal of her contract. According to Bezrukova, “this seems like an attempt to undermine all the reforms that were announced and promised to the public.” She stated that she met with Umierov a week ago and received no complaints from him at that time or throughout the entire previous year.

“Honestly, I am surprised by the situation, as if the minister had indicated that I or the agency was doing something wrong, we would certainly have addressed it,” Bezrukova shared.

She claimed that the announcement of a new head for the DPA is a way to exert pressure on the Supervisory Board. Bezrukova added that appointing Zhumadilov without violating laws and procedures is impossible.

She also mentioned that in 2024, the Agency managed to lower or at least maintain average prices for critical ammunition nomenclature by reducing the share of intermediaries.

Background. Previously, Mind reported that the Ministry of Defense refused to extend the contract of DPA Director Marina Bezrukova despite the decision of the Supervisory Board. Umierov announced that the agency would be headed by Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of another procurement organization within the Ministry of Defense – the State Rear Support Operator.