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The Defense Ministry of Ukraine is undergoing significant transformations with new leadership and policy adjustments. Arsen Zhumadilov concluded his role as Director of the Defense Procurement Agency DOT by mutual consent. Anti-corruption measures have expanded, offering protection to servicemembers reporting corruption. The Ministry opened its TrophyLab to 130 domestic manufacturers for insights into foreign weaponry. New Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara aims to retain core team members while strengthening certain areas. AI is being integrated to optimize target identification, reportedly saving analysts up to 90% of their time. Importantly, the Ministry clarified that women's mobilization remains voluntary. These steps are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities and governance.
What recent changes have occurred in Ukraine's Defense Ministry leadership?
Arsen Zhumadilov ended his tenure as the head of the Defense Procurement Agency by mutual agreement. Yevhen Khmara, the newly appointed Defense Minister, plans to reinforce the Ministry's core projects while introducing notable personnel changes.
How is the Defense Ministry addressing corruption in the Armed Forces?
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is expanding rights for servicemembers to report corruption without fear of retaliation. A relevant bill was approved to solidify these measures, reflecting a robust stance against corruption within military units.
What opportunities are available for Ukrainian arms manufacturers under the new Defense Ministry policies?
The Defense Ministry of Ukraine has extended access to its TrophyLab platform for over 130 domestic arms manufacturers. This initiative aims to enhance production capabilities by providing insights into adversary technologies.
What are the goals of Ukraine's new Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara?
Yevhen Khmara aims to retain the Ministry’s core team while bringing in new experts for specific areas. His efforts include fortifying defense production and exports, appointing key figures like Hanna Hvozdar, and ensuring continued project progress.
How is artificial intelligence being used in Ukraine's defense operations?
The Ministry of Defense is actively integrating artificial intelligence into military workflows. AI applications have reportedly increased target identification efficiency, allowing analysts to complete tasks in significantly less time, a strategic advancement amid ongoing operations.
Is there an initiative for the mobilization of women in Ukraine's Defense Forces?
The Defense Ministry of Ukraine confirmed that mandatory mobilization of women is not on the agenda. Women may join the Defense Forces on a voluntary basis, with no current legislative plans proposing otherwise.
What are the recent infrastructure developments planned by the Defense Ministry?
The Ministry of Defense is working on modernizing military medical facilities and enhancing medical support infrastructure. These changes are facilitated by Acting Minister Yevhen Khmara and Deputy Minister Lyubov Halan, reflecting a commitment to improve healthcare for service members.
Articles Defense Ministry
Ministry of increased cloud cover: What challenges and problems await new defence minister? On Wednesday, the Verkhovna Rada approved Yevhen Khmara’s appointment as defence minister with a near-constitutional majority. A total of 312 MPs voted in favour. However, despite such strong support, the minister faces extremely difficult times ahead. 6 757 11 Previously in trend: Defense Ministry appointments Personnel changes in government
Yaroslav Zhelezniak: Fedorov believed there was still something good left in president. I became disillusioned long ago We meet Yaroslav Zhelezniak, currently the Verkhovna Rada’s chief insider, at the Natsionalnyi Hotel near parliament. He warns us that we have no more than 30 minutes and need to make it count. So we speak briefly and focus on the essentials: the votes on Khmara and Sybiha, the political ambitions of Fedorov and Zhelezniak himself, whether military personnel will receive their salaries, and whether parliamentary elections are possible at this point. 18 978 42 Previously in trend: Personnel changes in government
Full text of Mykhailo Fedorov’s high-profile briefing Full transcript of Mykhailo Fedorov’s briefing 8 546 12 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Not just Syrskyi: Who else Fedorov crossed as defence minister The President will not nominate Fedorov for the post of defence minister. This became known during the President’s meeting with the parliamentary faction. According to him, the minister has an ongoing conflict with the Commander-in-Chief, and both should be dismissed, but he cannot dismiss Syrskyi yet. 25 064 39 Previously in trend: Syrskyi–Fedorov conflict Fedorov’s resignation
Alta Ares CEO Hadrien Canter: "Ukraine today has one of best air defence architectures in world" Alta Ares is a promising French defence tech startup founded in 2024 that specializes in developing air defence, reconnaissance, and edge AI systems for drones. 150 0 Previously in trend: Shooting down Shaheds Drone industry
New contracts, higher salaries and foreigners in AFU: pros and cons of military reform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov have announced the first phase of a major military reform. It involves changes to the approaches to military recruitment, service, and social benefits for service members. 16 655 28 Previously in trend: Reforms in the army
Monopoly - instead of prison sentence: How Hlyniana became one of Ministry of Defence’s largest contractors On April 15, 2025, the NABU announced that it was seeking businessman Tetiana Hlyniana in connection with a case involving the embezzlement of funds allocated for food supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This refers to the notorious "eggs at 17". 14 688 48 Previously in trend: Eggs for 17 UAH each Corruption in defence
Audit of losses and mass UAV procurement: Defense Ministry’s new course Platoon commander with Ukraine’s National Guard 13th Brigade Khartiia, Yurii Butusov, analyzes in a live broadcast the 2026 war plan presented by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 6 320 9 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine Procurement of drones
Wind of love and Defense Ministry: how unverified documents lead to undelivered supplies and scandals The failure to deliver chemical warmers to Ukrainian service members has created a perfect opportunity to talk about why this happens. There are several reasons for it. 5 114 8
Saved: Why Ukrainian army was left without warmers in bitter cold On Thursday, journalist Yulia Kirienko wrote about the problem with warmers on the front lines and the resulting increase in frostbite among soldiers. 13 468 44
Chance for reform: what Fedorov’s appointment means for front and army We are dedicating this stream to a very important event that took place in the Verkhovna Rada. A new Minister of Defense has been appointed — Mykhailo Fedorov. The position of defense minister, which effectively shapes Ukraine’s entire defense policy, has always drawn close attention. And this appointment is truly worth a separate discussion and a clear assessment so that you and I can understand where we are headed in the war. 10 367 54 Previously in trend: Personnel changes in government
Between Finance Ministry’s Scylla and General Staff’s Charybdis: what awaits new defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov has long dreamed of becoming defense minister and remains one step away from fulfilling that dream, despite Tuesday’s failed vote. 7 224 12 Previously in trend: Staff changes Personnel changes in government
Butterfly effect: How Mindich case could put end to Ministry of Defence’s procurement Ukrainians are still waiting for the release of recordings from Timur Mindich’s apartment on defence. However, this case has already had a butterfly effect, where a random fact causes chaos and destructive changes, negatively affecting the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence’s work. 10 145 4
How DOT-Chain Defence is changing rules of game for Ukraine’s drone industry DOT-Chain Defence is a digital platform that enables military units to order defence products directly from manufacturers. It primarily covers the procurement of drones and electronic warfare (EW) systems. 648 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry
Textile war over $200 million, one arrest and long list of MoD corruption risks On August 21, 2025, officers of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), with the operational support of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), served notices of suspicion to officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and to the director of a supplier company that had delivered substandard ballistic goggles. 3 353 4 Previously in trend: Corruption in MoD
Lack of specialists affecting country’s defence capability. What to do? Ukraine suffers from a shortage of personnel. The shortage of specialists is felt everywhere - both at the front and in the rear. First of all, defence companies suffer from this. The required specialists are either already working, mobilised or have gone abroad. However, the problem is complex and did not appear yesterday. The Great War simply elevated it to an absolute. 311 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry
Find $6 billion and not kick bucket in fighting over pots: what Umerov left to Shmyhal The attack on the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) diverted attention from another significant event that has remained entirely in the shadows - the replacement of the defence minister. It has been more than three weeks since Denys Shmyhal assumed this post. In that time, he has appointed his deputies and outlined his priorities, making it the right moment to examine the legacy Rustem Umierov left him and the challenges now facing the ministry. 31 130 20 Previously in trend: defense procurement Defense Ministry appointments
Defence indulgences: how persons involved in Reznikov-era scandals might get off scot-free The bill on so-called defense indulgences has not yet been considered, but some figures involved in scandals surrounding the Ministry of Defense procurement are already trying to resolve their legal issues. 6 037 15 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU
Without jackets and underwear: why suppliers have started another war with Ministry of Defence In May 2025, almost 20 tenders of the "State Logistics Operator" for the supply of non-lethal supplies to the army were cancelled. These were mostly textile products, such as jackets, trousers, underpants, bags, and backpacks. 12 373 25 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement in SLO Clothing procurement for AFU
Exemplary fraud: 4 stories about how Ukraine had paid for weapons but received nothing or junk Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has paid about $770 million in advance to foreign suppliers for weapons and ammunition that have never been delivered. 16 558 23 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU
Why MoD supplier is complaining about pressure from SBI and whether it is really overcharging On Sunday, businessman Oleksandr Sokolovskyi said that the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into his companies, which supply textiles to the Defense Ministry, over allegations of overpricing and transferring funds abroad. According to the businessman, this is how he is being pressured to pay bribes to certain entities. 5 937 3
Zhumadilov’s year: significant progress, but with contracts for Peoples’ Deputies relatives firms On Friday, Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced that Arsen Zhumadilov will now head both the DOT (State Operator For Non-Lethal Acquisition) and the DPA (Defense Procurement Agency) 10 200 33
Maryna Bezrukova: We are not tame buyers who are ready to drain budget into billions, just by someone’s verbal order The Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency has extended the contract with Maryna Bezrukova, and later Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced that he was dismissing Bezrukova. 30 189 35
Have you seen Hlyniana’s trunk? That’s enough. How Defence Ministry’s food mafia has kept its market Two years have passed since the scandal surrounding the 17 UAH eggs. During this time, the Minister of Defence has changed, the "State Logistics Operator" has been launched, but the "food mafia" continues to supply food to the Ukrainian army. 17 956 39
Alongside state treason: whether largest supplier of oils to Ministry of Defense is connected to Ponomarov’s group A few days ago, Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov boasted that the procurement agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the State Logistics Operator, saved UAH 2.26 million when purchasing lubricants for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2025. 11 165 12
How infighting in Ministry of Defence makes financiers laugh at them, but does not remove suspicions of promoting one supplier Two weeks after the Cabinet of Ministers handed over 23 billion to the State Border Guard Service for the purchase of ammunition from a particular company, the Ministry of Defence has finally decided to explain why it did so. Allegedly, so that this money would not simply burn up by the end of the year. Censor.NET investigated whether this is true. 9 437 25
Umierov’s "Ministry of Sabotage" In November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Ukraine Resilience Plan, a list of changes to strengthen the country from within. A month earlier, the president had handed over a five-point Victory Plan with three secret annexes to the allies, which was supposed to turn the tide of the war with Russia in Ukraine’s favor. Readers have already seen dozens of discussions about the content of both plans in the media and on social media. 12 377 36
Arms wars and New Year’s gifts: how 23 billion were taken from disobedient Bezrukova and given to border guards The end of 2024 looks like it will be a year full of arms scandals. No sooner had we recovered from the news that the 120th mine had been sent to the frontline that did not explode, which was the fault of journalists, the military, the rain, but not the manufacturer, than another betrayal was delivered. 15 681 27
From Reznikov’s jackets to Umierov’s poncho: whether Defense Ministry will get rid of unscrupulous suppliers Last summer, the country was rocked by a scandal over Turkish jackets purchased by the Defense Ministry that turned out to be unsuitable for winter wear. 14 245 39
Insurmountable corruption risks of Ministry of Defense. Why new scandals are only matter of time We can punish someone for a crime, or we can prevent that crime from happening. The first is more attractive from the point of view of spectacle, but in fact, after the hundred and third time, it causes only irritation. And the emotional effect is much lower. But the losses remain. 9 655 21
Secret of Hlyniana’s trunk: carousel frauds, fronts, safe deposit boxes and Hrynkevych’s eggs On August 9, officers of the Bureau of Economic Security detained an accountant of a company that supplies products to the Ministry of Defense. She was carrying 4.7 million euros in her trunk. She could not explain the origin of the money. 41 521 17
Eggs for 3 hryvnias instead of 17: why this is far from victory over corruption The Ministry of Defence now buys eggs at UAH 2.40 per piece, and for the frontline Donetsk region - at UAH 3, even including delivery. This is the data from the latest food procurement tenders held by the State Logistics Operator of rear. And against the backdrop of eggs at 17 each, this is, of course, a victory. 10 956 35
Umierov to manufacturers: "Everyone has plan until they get punched in jaw". What quiet conflicts made minister angry Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Defense presented a portal for suppliers called "Partner of the MoD". The site aims to digitalize communication between the Ministry and suppliers and even increase their number. 38 577 31
Seized iPhones, but released defendants: what’s wrong with investigation of crimes in Ministry of Defense Recently, the High Anti-Corruption Court lifted the house arrest of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, the former head of the Department of Public Procurement and Supply of Material Resources of the Ministry of Defense. 11 151 13
Prepare for mobilization: With what government provides recruits and what you should buy for yourself Mobilization continues in Ukraine. This process may soon intensify. BusinessCensor decided to find out what the state provides for the military, and what is better to be provided by yourself. 196 0
Blackmail with hungry army: what ultimatum did Ministry of Defense suppliers give? There are only a few hours left until the deadline for submitting bids for the food procurement. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ministry of Defense held a meeting to decide what to do to prevent the army from running out of food. Therefore, units were ordered to stockpile. At the same time, for the first time since 2022, the Ministry is going to conclude a direct food contract. 56 401 33
Hlynianas and Ivaniushchenkos forever: who and what prevents food reform for army Last week, the State Logistics Operator announced a repeat tender under a shortened procedure for the purchase of food for the army. This happened after the DOT (State Logistics Operator) was forced to cancel the previous tender on February 22 following a ruling by the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal in Kyiv. 6 915 20
Once again about battle with food mafia: how telegram channels are used to put pressure on court The legal war over the new criteria for purchasing food for the military continues. As of the end of last week, 5 lawsuits were left without consideration by the judges of the Court of Appeal. For the most part, the State Logistics Operator (SLO - ed. note) managed to defeat them due to violations of procedural requirements for lawsuits by opponents. 5 509 7
Food mafia of Ministry of Defense does not give up: why Arsen Zhumadilov, DOT was targeted with ordered fudge Last Friday, the State Logistics Operator (DOT) announced a new tender for the purchase of food for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite the fact that the DOT has not yet been able to launch the announced procurement system by commodity group for the second quarter, it has nevertheless significantly changed the rules of the game for this market segment. 23 736 55 Previously in trend: War
From cooperative with Russians in Kozyn to legendary "Itera": who is organizer of mine scam Khoroshayev? Censor.NET continues to study the case of the "Lviv Arsenal" and its defendants. Currently, the publication is focusing on Oleksiy Khoroshayev, a representative of the Slovak company Sevotech, who left for Prague just before Russia’s full-scale invasion. And in Ukraine, he did business with very difficult Russians - from a cooperative in Kozyn to the legendary gas supplier "Itera". 20 777 6
How Ukraine lost 100,000 mines: what does female leadership and granddaughter in Putin’s administration have to do with it? More than a year ago, Yuriy Zbitnev’s company "Lviv Arsenal" received a contract worth 1.4 billion, but never delivered the weapons. Ukrainian journalists have been writing about this case for six months, but there has been no communication from law enforcement on this story. A request from the Public Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defence revealed that the National Police is investigating the case of non-delivery. 26 423 33
If Defense Ministry will defeat food mafia. Waiting for last battle While we are following the detention of Roman Hrynkevych, a much more important process is taking place behind the scenes at the Ministry of Defence. It is about reforming food procurement and switching from purchasing an entire catalogue of 409 items to individual product groups. And it is already clear that the food mafia will fight for its billions to the last. In tandem with the military, which is interested. 17 092 35
Hlyniana, supplier of 17-hryvnia eggs, sold Croatian hotels and... lost bag with money Ukrainian Tetiana Hlyniana, who became famous for contracting eggs for 17 UAH in a catalog for the Defense Ministry, is once again in the center of a scandal. 178 474 76
For clean water: how Hlynyana, supplier to Defense Ministry, made money not only on eggs but also on water After the article about Tatiana Hlynyana, a supplier to the Ministry of Defence, her hotel in Croatia and eggs that cost 17 UAH, I saw many indignant comments: "Why are you manipulating the headline - it’s not like she made money on eggs." 35 130 34
How eggs for 17 have been transformed into hotels in Croatia: from life and affairs of Ministry of Defense’s food mafia The most scandalous supplier of goods to the Ministry of Defense, as it turns out, bought several hotels during the full-scale invasion. Journalists found them. And Censor.NET reveals the unknown details of how this scheme became possible. 19 622 60
Gold rail carriage, sand quarry and luxury parties: why Ministry of Defense supplier bribed SBI with $500 thousand SBI officers detained a Lviv businessman, one of the largest suppliers to the Ministry of Defense, who offered a USD 500,000 bribe to one of the heads of the Bureau’s Main Investigation Department for assistance in returning property seized from companies under his control during the investigation. 127 900 71
How can we provide uniforms and equipment to 500,000 people? The third year of the bloody full-scale war is about to begin. We hear about a plan to mobilize 500,000+ people. In order to mobilize them, we need a large amount of military uniforms and accessories from underwear, uniforms, boots to bulletproof vests and helmets. At the same time, one of the largest suppliers to the Ministry of Defense has shut down its factories and sent 1,200 people on unscheduled vacation. 18 042 0 Previously in trend: War
Will SSU stop arms of mafia and their shell corporations: unknown story of one detention On Friday, the Security Service of Ukraine, with the assistance of the Minister of Defence, dismantled a corruption scheme to purchase ammunition for the Armed Forces worth almost UAH 1.5 billion. As a result of complex measures, the head of one of the Defence Ministry’s Main Directorates involved in the fraud was detained in Kyiv. 21 868 22
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