Zelensky has commented for the first time on the conflict surrounding the leadership change at the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate.

President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation surrounding the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. According to him, there can be no pauses in urgent decisions. The head of the defense agency, Rustem Umerov, has the right to make changes in the leadership of the DPA.

In an interview with the Associated Press, the president emphasized that Umerov can take measures to prevent delays in supplying the military with weapons.

“We have a defense minister who clearly understands that [if] there are any pauses in supporting our army—from drones to air defense—there will not only be losses among the military, but also among civilians, there will be more strikes, and Russia will become stronger. He [Umerov] cannot afford any pauses in supplies. He has a contract,” Zelensky noted.

He stated that “there cannot be pauses in urgent decisions.” This particularly pertains to signing contracts for weapon supplies and timely payments for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“Today, all our money is in the Ministry of Defense, in our army. If any delivery has not arrived, he must do everything to ensure that such problems do not arise again. This is the most important thing, and he is fulfilling it,” the president added.

Change in Leadership of the DPA of the Ministry of Defense

On January 24, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the contract with the head of the Defense Procurement Agency, Marina Bezrukova, would not be extended, despite a decision from the Supervisory Board that supported her staying in the position for another year. Instead, the leadership of the DPA will be temporarily handed over to Arsen Zhumadilov, who currently heads the State Logistics Operator. Zhumadilov himself confirmed his appointment and noted that he would continue to perform the duties of the head of the SLO concurrently.

Marina Bezrukova, for her part, stated that she remains the legitimate director of the agency, while the Supervisory Board of the DPA accused the Ministry of Defense of attempting to establish complete control over the institution.

Following this, Rustem Umerov initiated an internal investigation within the agency, and Marina Bezrukova was suspended from her duties during the review.

This situation arose from prolonged disputes over changes in the statutes of the procurement bodies of the Ministry of Defense. The DPA and the SLO were established after high-profile corruption scandals within the ministry, and both structures had independent Supervisory Boards.