Zelensky responded for the first time to the scandal in the Defense Procurement Agency.

The President supported the Minister of Defense in the conflict with the Defense Procurement Agency

President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time stated that Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov has the right to make any decisions regarding the supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He stated this in an interview with Associated Press.

Zelensky emphasized that the Minister of Defense has the right to make every effort to prevent delays in the supply of weapons and other problems that may arise from signing contracts or decreasing support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

We have a Minister of Defense who clearly understands that if there are delays in supporting our army, it will lead to not only losses among the military but also to losses of civilian population, suffering of children, more strikes, and increased influence of Russia. He cannot allow a pause in supply. He has a contract

Rustem Umerov also decided to appoint Deputy Minister of Defense Dmytro Klimenko and terminate the contract with the head of the Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency, Maria Bezrukova.

The conflict between the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and Maria Bezrukova has a personal basis. Public activists and deputies support Maria Bezrukova, but the activities of the Defense Procurement Agency have come under criticism.

Since the beginning of 2024, a question has been raised regarding the dismissal of Maria Bezrukova, but it has been decided to allow her to complete the contract. This was reported by Rustem Umerov's deputy Ivan Havryliuk.