SBGS explains why it was delegated procurement for UAH 23 billion
The State Border Guard Service explained why they were delegated UAH 23 billion for procurement.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to the press service of the State Border Guard Service.
"The topic of another government initiative has gained publicity.
It consists in delegating to the Administration of the State Border Guard Service the authority to implement a separate budget programme in the amount of UAH 23,000,000 thousand. It concerns the procurement of defence goods for the needs of the defence forces. These goods are to be subsequently transferred to the Armed Forces. The relevant CMU order is dated 29 November 2024.
Representatives of the anti-corruption community, MPs, and various segments of the population pay considerable attention to this topic, and it is widely circulated in the media and social networks," they said.
Therefore, the State Border Guard Service proposed to "understand the topic and find out what is myth and what is reality".
First.
"Myth. Border guards have no right to make such purchases. This is a "one-off" scam , a threat to the state's defence capability.
Reality. The State Border Guard Service is a component of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. It has a certificate of a second-level spending unit for the purchase of weapons and military equipment.
It has procurement experience and trust among arms suppliers. It pays considerable attention to the supply of ammunition, which is extremely important for Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.
In short: Border guards do not only perform tasks at the border. Our units are at war. The SBGS is required by law to purchase weapons. We have been doing this for a long time, efficiently and on time," they explained.
Second.
"Myth. Everything is done bypassing the Ministry of Defence and is very expensive
Reality. No, not bypassing and at the lowest possible price.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine constantly makes purchases to supply its units, as it does not receive supplies from other areas, and is ready to join in providing ammunition to the Defence Forces of Ukraine in case of a relevant decision of the MoD and the Government. And it is doing so.
In the area of defence procurement, the SBGS has gained a lot of trust from various institutions both in Ukraine and abroad.
Given the fact that the SBGS is respected and has established itself as a reliable counterparty for foreign partners, it constantly receives various offers of cooperation in the supply of weapons and equipment.
In accordance with the established procedure, the received proposals are sent to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for detailed study and decision-making.
In November, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine submitted another proposal to the Government to delegate the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine's authority to carry out defence procurement worth UAH 23 billion.
The price of ammunition is one of the lowest.
Pricing and terms of supply are constantly monitored by the relevant regulatory authorities of Ukraine.
In short: Procurement is carried out strictly in accordance with all regulations, in compliance with all requirements. Cheaper and better than others," the SBGS continued.
Third.
Myth. Border guards do not have the experience to handle this amount of funding
Reality. This is not true. This is evidenced by the relevant contracts signed for the needs of the State Border Guard Service, as well as two decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers this year to delegate the authority for relevant procurement for the needs of the Defence Forces in the amount of UAH 5.8 billion and UAH 31.1 billion.
Before making a decision on procurement, representatives of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine must go on an inspection, including representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Each batch of delivered goods is checked on the territory of Ukraine.
In short: All funds for supplies have been spent. And the shells are already destroying the enemy.
Fourth.
They commented on the information that they wanted to withdraw the money to a foreign "pad"
"The intermediary firm that submitted the proposal is NATO-certified. It has many years of experience in the market. It has been cooperating with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for 3 years. It is a reliable supplier.
It has no unfulfilled contracts with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine or delays in the delivery of goods. It has no debts for any supplies to the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
In addition, the rules for the export of arms and military equipment in the EU countries regulate the annual audit, which is one of the main conditions for confirming a previously issued licence to operate in this area," they said, adding that the State Border Guard Service works only with verified organisations and does not allow any violations.
Fifth.
Myth: An intermediary company does not have an export licence
Reality. Every contract for the transfer of arms and military equipment requires an export licence from the relevant government authorities in the exporting countries.
Each export licence is transferred to the Export Control Service of Ukraine, which reports annually to the International Control Authority.
One of the conditions for obtaining an export licence is the availability of a signed contract and an end-user certificate.
In short: These are typical conditions for all market participants.
Sixth.
Myth: Border guards do not even have the appropriate weapons to be experts in ammunition types
"Reality. False statements about the lack of appropriate weapons for border guards.
The SBGSU units are now equipped with mortars of all calibres, cannon artillery of various calibres, multiple launch rocket systems and other modern weapons.
They have been put into service by the agency's units, including as part of procurement under contracts concluded by the SBGS for the agency's needs.
In short: To get better acquainted with the weapons available in the SBGSU, we suggest you go to https://rec.dpsu.gov.ua/ to sign a contract for military service or join our units by mobilisation. We guarantee professional and relevant training for all types of available weapons," they concluded.
The Ministry of Defence transfers UAH 23 billion to the State Border Guard Service for ammunition contracting
As reported earlier, on 29 November, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 1191-r, which allocated UAH 23 billion for the purchase of shells for the State Border Guard Service. The initiator was the Ministry of Defence.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine commented on the delegation of authority to purchase defence goods for the needs of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and called for no speculation on this topic and to avoid manipulation.
