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The purchasing industry in Ukraine is under scrutiny as irregularities and corruption are unveiled. President Zelenskyy's remarks highlighted how some foreign governments aim to bypass Ukrainian state procedures to purchase equipment, impairing diplomatic relations. High-profile cases revealed by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Prosecutor General showcase severe procurement-related fraud, including a 9.5 million hryvnia misappropriation and inflated timber purchase costs. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is revamping its drone procurement protocols to eliminate corruption. Notably, DOT-Chain Defence expands to modernize military ordering systems, allowing direct unit purchases of UAVs and other essential gear, drastically cutting delivery timelines. Meanwhile, internal audits expose significant overpayments in classified weapons spending, stressing the urgent need for transparent measures in defense acquisitions.

What are the recent changes to drone procurement in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is introducing new measures to streamline the procurement process, including modifying the procedures for drone purchases to avoid corrupt practices while ensuring better quality control and faster deliveries through DOT-Chain Defence.

How is Ukraine addressing corruption in defense procurement?

Ukraine is tackling defense procurement corruption by conducting thorough audits, exposing involvement in fraudulent schemes, and implementing reforms amidst increasing transparency efforts. Notable steps include changing procurement rules and introducing digital systems like DOT-Chain Defence.

What impact does bypassing state purchase procedures have on Ukraine?

Bypassing state purchase procedures strains Ukraine’s international relations by reducing transparency and trust in governmental processes. It potentially affects diplomatic ties and compromises the integrity of defense and economic procurement deals.

Why has Poland become a significant importer of Chinese drone parts?

Poland has emerged as a key importer of drone parts due to China's export ban on such items to Ukraine and Russia. This geopolitical move highlights Poland's growing role in supplying components that indirectly support Ukrainian defense needs.

What is the role of DOT-Chain Defence in Ukraine's military procurement?

DOT-Chain Defence plays a pivotal role by offering a digital procurement platform for UAVs and electronic warfare equipment, bypassing traditional channels. This modernizes supply chains and empowers military units to make efficient, direct purchases, enhancing operational readiness.

How does procurement fraud affect Ukraine’s defense budget?

Procurement fraud significantly drains Ukraine's defense budget by inflating costs for military supplies and diverting funds through corruption schemes. This jeopardizes the country's defense readiness and demands rigorous audits and anti-corruption measures to safeguard public resources.

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Articles purchasing

Volodymyr Zinovskyi 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. 87 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

mindich 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. 10 015 4

Corruption in defence 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. 6 504 36 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine Scandals with procurement for AFU Mindichgate Yermak’s dismissal

Winter jackets for the 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. 7 156 25 Previously in trend: Clothing procurement for AFU Sewing winter jackets for AFU

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. 31 004 20 Previously in trend: defense procurement Defense Ministry appointments

Reznikov’s jackets 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. 5 862 15 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU

Umerov 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. 12 281 25 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement in SLO Clothing procurement for AFU

Defence procurement 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. 16 159 23 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement for AFU

Umierov 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) 10 025 33

Umierov and reforms in procurement 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. 13 750 32 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine

Syrskyi and Umerov 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. 15 562 27

Ніколаєнко 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. 3 886 5

глиняна 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. 41 316 17

Яйця по 3 гривні замість 17: чому це ще далеко не перемога корупції 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. 10 845 35

дот,ніколаєнко,закупівлі 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. 16 444 35 Economics

міноборони,ніколаєнко,закупівлі,харчування 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. 5 426 7 Economics

Гендиректор Державного оператора тилу Арсен Жумаділов 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. 23 655 55 Previously in trend: War

арсенал,львівський,ніколаєнко 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". 20 635 6 Economics

арсенал,оборудки,львівський 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. 26 299 33 Economics

вода 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." 35 048 34 Economics

міноборони 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. 136 415 125 Previously in trend: War