NATO 'taking over' Ukraine's security assistance, military training, Umerov says
The remarks come amid ongoing uncertainty over U.S. aid commitments to Ukraine.
Rustem Umerov
Ukraine war latest: Trump holds talks with Zelensky and Putin, says negotiations to end war in Ukraine to start 'immediately'
Key developments on. Feb. 12: * Trump holds talks with Zelensky following his 1.5-hour-long conversation with Putin * 'Restoring Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is unrealistic objective,' Pentagon chief says * Coordinating allied support — Umerov lists Ukraine's priorities at Ramstein-format summit * Europe faces 'total' Russian occupation without Ukraine's army, Zelensky says * Ukraine's SBU
Mixed reactions as Ukraine introduces 1-year military contract for young volunteers
The contract includes basic general military training, vocational training, and an adaptation course in an army unit. Volunteers will receive a one-time monetary aid payment of Hr 1 million ($24,000) and a monthly allowance of up to Hr 120,000 ($3,000).
Defense Minister Umerov meets Pentagon chief Hegseth for the first time
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the first time on Feb. 12 during the Ramstein-format meeting in Brussels.
Coordinating allied support — Umerov lists Ukraine's priorities at Ramstein-format summit
The agenda includes ensuring a stable and timely supply of military aid in 2025, accelerating the delivery of critical weapons like air defense systems, aviation, and ammunition, and fostering joint projects with European partners.
NABU confirms 'pre-trial investigation' of Defense Minister Umerov over potential abuse of power
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched an investigation on Jan. 28.
2 Ukrainian military officers appointed as deputy defense ministers
"These decisions are part of a comprehensive approach to strengthening our Armed Forces, modernizing management, and advancing military technology," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry introduces robotic units into army
"We continue transforming the Ukrainian Armed Forces into a modern army with a technological advantage over the enemy," Rustem Umerov said.
Zelensky comments on Defense Procurement Agency dispute, says Umerov is entitled to make any decisions to prevent military supply delays
President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the conflict between the Defense Ministry and the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) on Feb. 2 in an interview with the Associated Press (AP), commenting that the Defense Minister has the right to do everything to ensure that there is no slowdown in supplies.
Netherlands to send more F-16s in 2025, Ukrainian defense minister says
The Netherlands will deliver another batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in 2025, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Jan. 31.
Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency says Bezrukova is still director after her name disappeared from state register
Maryna Bezrukova has overturned the decision to remove her name from the state enterprise register as director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), the agency said on Jan. 30.
Defense Ministry must resolve procurement agencies issues by February, Deputy PM says
Olha Stefanishyna added that such "aggressive public communication" does not beneficial inside or outside Ukraine.
Defense Minister Umerov under investigation for possible abuse of power, office position, media reports
Proceedings against Rustem Umerov opened at the request of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, NABU said.
Government dismisses Deputy Defense Minister Klimenkov amid procurement tensions
The decision follows ongoing tensions within the Defense Ministry over its weapons procurement process, which has been heavily scrutinized amid reform efforts.
G7 ambassadors urge swift resolution of Defense Procurement Agency's leadership dispute
Ambassadors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries called for a quick resolution of the Defense Procurement Agency dispute and urged uninterrupted continuation of weapons procurement, according to their statement on Jan. 27.
Procurement for Ukrainian forces may be blocked due to legal conflict, Defense Procurement Agency's head says
"Contracting and supplies may be blocked because we are in a legal conflict," Maryna Bezrukova, Defense Procurement Agency head, said.
Parliament committee head calls for defense minister's resignation as defense procurement scandal escalates
Umerov has been lambasted by pro-reform MPs and anti-corruption activists for what they see as his efforts to destroy the independence of the Defense Procurement Agency. Anti-corruption watchdogs have also argued that Umerov's actions jeopardize Western military aid for Ukraine.
Defense Minister Umerov dismisses top official who stood up to him
Ukraine’s lengthy efforts to clean up its weapons procurement are in danger of being unwound as the Defense Ministry strangleholds the Defense Procurement Agency, say anti-corruption activists and lawmakers. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Jan. 24 that he would not renew the contract of Maryna Bezrukova, the head
Italy's upcoming military aid package to Ukraine includes 'modern weaponry,' Umerov says
"(The military aid package) is already on its way to Ukraine. This is modern weaponry that will help our soldiers to deliver powerful strikes against the enemy," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
UK to finance production of air defense, long-range weapons in Ukraine, Umerov says
"The U.K. has already invested in the production of our weapons, and this collaboration continues — specifically, funding will be directed toward the production of air defense systems and long-range weapons," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Umerov appoints ex-Infrastructure Minister Kubrakov as his advisor to tackle logistics
Oleksandr Kubrakov's "experience as the deputy prime minister, the infrastructure minister, and head of Ukravtodor is important and will help improve the supply and logistics in the Armed Forces," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on his Telegram channel.
Ukraine to conduct review of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces
"Victory requires a deep analysis of experience, and an honest understanding of mistakes," Rustem Umerov said.
Ukraine secures over $156 million for defense industry from European allies, defense minister says
The funds will support the production of long-range drones, missiles, and artillery, which are critical to Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Ukrainian drones made up over 96% of UAVs military used in 2024, defense minister says
The domestic drone industry "reached unprecedented production volumes" in 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Dec. 28.
Ukraine delivered 200,000 domestically-produced drones to front-line units so far in December, Umerov says
The Ukrainian military has proven to be a pioneer in drone technology, using innovative ways to undermine Russia's material and numerical advantage.
North Korea supports Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Umerov says
"For the Republic of Korea, these actions pose a serious threat, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience, which could present additional security challenges in the region in the future," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said following his visit to South Korea.
South Korean president meets Ukraine's delegation to discuss Moscow-Pyongyang ties
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Seoul on Nov. 27 to discuss the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Drone coalition to gather $1.8 billion by end of 2024, defense minister says
An allied initiative, co-headed by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January to bolster Ukraine's arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which became a crucial capability on the battlefield. Nearly 20 countries joined the coalition as of late November.
Ministry: Lithuania to fund production of Ukrainian long-range drones
The long-term agreement between Ukraine and Lithuania includes an initial tranche of 10 million euros which has already been agreed upon and focuses particularly on Ukraine's Palianytsia missile-like drones.
Ukraine begins talks with partners about advanced air defense systems, following Russia's IRBM strike
President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to engage with partners on acquiring advanced air defense systems, according to Zelensky’s statement on Nov. 22.
Zelensky denies potential dismissal of defense minister, head of military intelligence
"I wasn't going to do that. I was not going to replace Budanov. This information was circulating, yes. There was no such question about Umerov either," Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists.
US has provided Ukraine with over $64 billion in military aid since start of full-scale invasion, Umerov says
"Your unwavering support is not just a gesture of friendship. It's a powerful symbol of the shared values that bind our nations together," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
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