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In 2026, Ukraine faced significant challenges and developments in defense procurement, highlighted by a reported $1.2 billion lost to fraud and inefficiencies. The Ministry of Defense took action by announcing tenders for advanced military technologies, including unmanned ground vehicles and deep-strike drones, under new specifications. Despite advancements like the DOT-Chain Defence system, the procurement process was riddled with corruption, including a misappropriation scandal involving 102 million hryvnias for tank reactive armour. To address these issues, NATO pledged expert support to reform Ukraine's Defence Procurement Agency. The shift to tender formats aimed to enhance transparency and efficiency, but persistent scandals, from overpayments to procurement fraud, threatened to undermine these efforts.

What challenges did Ukraine face in defense procurement in 2026?

In 2026, Ukraine encountered numerous challenges in defense procurement, including significant losses due to fraud and mismanagement reportedly costing $1.2 billion. Despite efforts to reform procurement processes, ongoing corruption scandals and inefficiencies persisted, highlighting the complexities involved in managing military supply chains effectively.

How is NATO assisting Ukraine's defense procurement reform?

NATO is supporting Ukraine's defense procurement reform by providing comprehensive financial and expert assistance. This initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), focusing on improving processes and addressing corruption issues to ensure more transparent and effective procurement practices for military supplies.

What role does the DOT-Chain Defence system play in procurement?

The DOT-Chain Defence system plays a crucial role in Ukraine's military procurement by offering a platform for ordering drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and other defense technologies. It aims to streamline procurement processes, enhance transparency, and reduce opportunities for corruption by allowing military units to place secure orders directly.

How is the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense addressing procurement corruption?

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is tackling procurement corruption by updating procurement mechanisms, launching tender formats, and collaborating with NATO for reform support. These efforts include changing rules to prevent overpricing and introducing systems like DOT-Chain Defence to ensure transparent processes and traceability of defense orders.

How has the shift to tender formats impacted Ukraine's defense procurement?

The transition to tender formats in Ukraine's defense procurement aims to increase competition, transparency, and efficiency. By moving away from closed-door deals to open competitions, this shift has the potential to reduce costs and curb corrupt practices. However, the successful implementation of tender procedures depends on overcoming existing systemic challenges.

What advancements were seen in Ukraine's defense procurement in 2026?

In 2026, Ukraine's defense procurement saw notable advancements, including introducing tenders for advanced technologies like deep-strike drones and unmanned ground vehicles. The launch of new procurement systems and international support underscored efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency and transparency of Ukraine's military supply processes.

What were the outcomes of corruption investigations in Ukraine's procurement system?

Corruption investigations in Ukraine's procurement system in 2026 uncovered numerous fraudulent activities, such as misappropriation of funds and inflated contract prices. Actions included prosecutions and reforms aimed at curbing corruption, with hopes of strengthening accountability and transparency in military supply chains in the future.

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Monopoly - instead of prison sentence: How Hlyniana became one of Ministry of Defence’s largest contractors 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". 14 714 48 Previously in trend: Eggs for 17 UAH each Corruption in defence

TAF Industries CEO Volodymyr Zinovskyi: It is impossible to create complete radio silence. Neither for us nor for enemy TAF Industries CEO Volodymyr Zinovskyi: It is impossible to create complete radio silence. Neither for us nor for enemy TAF Industries is a leading Ukrainian military tech company that develops and manufactures defence technologies. Since 2023, it has been creating solutions to enhance combat superiority and protect the lives of military personnel and civilians. 152 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Butterfly effect: How Mindich case could put end to Ministry of Defence’s procurement 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. 10 151 4

From eggs at 17 to Fire Point: why high-profile resignations alone do not solve corruption problem From eggs at 17 to Fire Point: why high-profile resignations alone do not solve corruption problem Andriy Yermak’s resignation following searches in the Mindych-gate case has probably brought a tidy profit to champagne sellers. However, in itself it in no way protects us from a new Mindich emerging tomorrow, nor from once again hunting for corrupt money or corrupt officials in some new Fire Point. 6 772 36 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine Scandals with procurement for AFU Mindichgate Yermak’s dismissal

In winter without jackets: how change in fabric stopped delivery of 100,000 jackets for AFU In winter without jackets: how change in fabric stopped delivery of 100,000 jackets for AFU The Ukrainian Armed Forces will not receive 50,000 winter jackets in September, and the delivery of another 50,000 in November is also in doubt. The reason for this is a shortage of fabric used for the outer layer of windproof and waterproof jackets. 7 310 25 Previously in trend: Clothing procurement for AFU Sewing winter jackets for AFU

Find $6 billion and not kick bucket in fighting over pots: what Umerov left to Shmyhal 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. 31 138 20 Previously in trend: defense procurement Defense Ministry appointments

Defence indulgences: how persons involved in Reznikov-era scandals might get off scot-free 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. 6 054 15 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU

Without jackets and underwear: why suppliers have started another war with Ministry of Defence 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. 12 380 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 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. 16 584 23 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU

Zhumadilov’s year: significant progress, but with contracts for Peoples’ Deputies relatives firms 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) 10 211 33

Year and half of reforms go down drain: why Umierov’s team encroached on independence of agencies Year and half of reforms go down drain: why Umierov’s team encroached on independence of agencies One of the key positive changes in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was the launch of two procurement agencies. This initiative emerged during the tenure of Minister Oleksii Reznikov as a response to corruption abuses by MoD officials and was finalized under Minister Rustem Umierov. 13 879 32 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine

Arms wars and New Year’s gifts: how 23 billion were taken from disobedient Bezrukova and given to border guards 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. 15 686 27

Whether military units will be left without electricity, or Why army needs acquisition executive Whether military units will be left without electricity, or Why army needs acquisition executive In case you didn’t know, in addition to centralized procurement at the level of two Defense Ministry agencies, the AFU also have procurement at the level of military units. So far, their development has failed, despite the fact that they are a NATO requirement. And the Ministry of Defense’s illiteracy on some issues can lead to the fact that it will be extremely difficult for the military to purchase electricity. 3 975 5

Secret of Hlyniana’s trunk: carousel frauds, fronts, safe deposit boxes and Hrynkevych’s eggs 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. 41 537 17

Eggs for 3 hryvnias instead of 17: why this is far from victory over corruption 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. 10 959 35

How to feed army with basil, or What’s wrong again with food procurement for Armed Forces of Ukraine How to feed army with basil, or What’s wrong again with food procurement for Armed Forces of Ukraine The State Logistics Operator was forced to replace two suppliers of food to the Armed Forces over the past two weeks. There were both objective and subjective reasons for this. 16 567 35

Once again about battle with food mafia: how telegram channels are used to put pressure on court 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. 5 514 7

Food mafia of Ministry of Defense does not give up: why Arsen Zhumadilov, DOT was targeted with ordered fudge 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. 23 739 55 Previously in trend: War

From cooperative with Russians in Kozyn to legendary "Itera": who is organizer of mine scam Khoroshayev? 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". 20 791 6

How Ukraine lost 100,000 mines: what does female leadership and granddaughter in Putin’s administration have to do with it? 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. 26 425 33

For clean water: how Hlynyana, supplier to Defense Ministry, made money not only on eggs but also on water 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." 35 134 34

They even made money on dogs: what Accounting Chamber found in procurement of food by Ministry of Defense They even made money on dogs: what Accounting Chamber found in procurement of food by Ministry of Defense In the first half of 2023, the Ministry of Defence procured food at prices 30% higher than consumer prices, did not analyze prices, did not control the quantity of products supplied, and 75% of the items in the food catalog were not provided to units. 136 662 125 Previously in trend: War