The NABU has launched a criminal investigation against Defense Minister Umerov for potential abuse of power, according to Suspilne.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has initiated a criminal proceeding against Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on suspicion of abuse of power. 

This was reported by Suspilne, citing NABU's press service.

"Following the examination of the application, a decision was made under Article 214 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine to enter information into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations and to commence a pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceeding dated January 27, 2025, with a preliminary legal qualification under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," NABU informed Suspilne. 

The proceedings were opened following an application from the Anti-Corruption Center amid a scandal surrounding the appointment of the head of the Defense Procurement Agency. Umerov stated that he would not extend the contract of the head of the DPA, Maryna Bezrukova, even though the Supervisory Board had recently extended her term for another year. The ACC argues that the minister does not have such authority—neither under the statute of the Supervisory Board nor by law.

In addition, the Minister of Defense withdrew two representatives of the state from the Supervisory Board—the head of the "Come Back Alive" fund, Taras Chmut, and his former deputy, Yuriy Dzhyhir, who leads this board. Umerov also announced the dismissal of his deputy, Dmytro Klimenko. The relevant order was approved by the government during a meeting on January 28. 

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that due to a conflict between the DPA and the Ministry of Defense, the procurement of ammunition for the army could be blocked.