Ukraine approves Bird of Prey drone system for combat
The system was developed based on battlefield experience, optimizing its effectiveness against enemy vehicles and fortified positions, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said.
Defense Ministry
Drone Coalition allocates almost $22 million for Ukraine's reconnaissance drones
"We are grateful to our partners for responding to this critical need. Prompt response and flexibility in making this decision are important, especially now when the Defense Forces need them most," said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Defense Minister for Digitalization.
Zelensky announces upcoming Ramstein summit in Brussels
"We are preparing for Brussels," Zelensky said. According to the president, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is currently organizing the next meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
Ukraine appoints Andrii Hnatov as new chief of General Staff
Hnatov, who was formerly appointed as the deputy chief of the General Staff in February, will be replacing Anatolii Barhylevych, who took the role in February 2024.
Arsen Zhumadilov officially appointed as new Defense Procurement Agency head
Arsen Zhumadilov resigned from his position as chief of the State Rear Operator (DOT). Andrii Sozanskyi, DOT's executive director, replaced him as acting director.
Drone coalition mobilizes over $2 billion to boost Ukraine's defense, ministry says
An allied initiative, co-headed by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January 2024.
Ukraine approves Vidmak drone system to target Russian vehicles
"These high-speed FPV drones are capable of chasing down any wheeled vehicles of the invaders," the Defense Ministry said.
Women account for 21% of applicants at Ukraine's army recruitment centers
Since the army recruitment centers began operation, 42,366 Ukrainians have applied, with the highest number of female candidates coming from western Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil oblasts.
Over 10,000 applications to join military submitted by young recruits following introduction of 'special contracts,' Defense Ministry says
Ukraine's military has received over 10,000 applications from volunteer recruits aged 18 to 24 following the introduction of lucrative "special contracts," Defense Ministry Spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin said on Ukrainian TV on Feb. 17.
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 Ministry building testing ground for new AI-powered demining tech
The project aims to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian demining, test innovations, and share experiences between Ukrainian and international partners, the Defense Ministry's statement read.
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.
US provides 30% of Ukraine's weapons, domestic production covers 40%, Zelensky says
"This does not bring tranquility but rather a moral belief that we will not be left empty-handed, of course, without the support of the United States," President Volodymyr Zelensky 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.
Defense Ministry approves Ukrainian-made Hromylo drone for military use
The Ukrainian-made Hromylo unmanned aerial vehicle has been approved for military use, the Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 31.
Arms procurement chief Bezrukova dismissed, Defense Ministry says after disputes
The Defense Ministry cited several reasons for Maryna Bezrukova's removal, including alleged failure to fulfill planned deliveries for the front, poor procurement planning and delays, lack of timely communication with the General Staff, and leaks of classified information, which are reportedly expected to be investigated.
Ukraine's arms procurement chief asks Zelensky to 'stop the destruction' of the agency
“Further delays threaten critically important supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and destroy the trust of donors and partners,” Bezrukova said.
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.
Ukraine war latest: Putin claims Zelensky doesn't have a right to sign any potential peace deal
Key developments on Jan. 28: * Putin claims Zelensky doesn't have a right to sign any potential peace deal * 'Pure propaganda' — Kharkiv Oblast governor denies Russian claims of capturing Dvorichna * Italian parliament extends military support for Ukraine through 2025 * SBU says it dismantled Russian spy network targeting F-16 jets * Government dismisses
Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 11
Editor’s note: This is issue 11 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from Jan. 13–19, 2025. This newsletter was until recently titled “Ukrainian Economy in Brief." The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial
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.
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
Supervisory board extends arms procurement head's contract, initiates audit following proposed merger
The contract extensions comes after Defense Minister Rustem Umerov walked back on plans to merge the Defense Procurement Agency and the State Logistics Operator into one agency, following a NATO statement said that the two agencies should be kept separate and two separate supervisory boards established "to perform their tasks and supporting their independence and anti-corruption policies."
Arms procurement head should keep post, supervisory board says
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov planned to merge the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Logistics Operator (DOT) into one agency but changed his mind after a NATO statement said that the two agencies should be kept separate and two separate supervisory boards should be established.
Students who fail military exam or refuse oath cannot continue higher ed, official says
"If students cannot pass the exam ... if they refuse to take the military oath, they will not be able to study in higher education institutions in the future," Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Melnyk said.
Basic military training to start in Ukrainian higher education institutions in September 2025
The course will consist of 90 academic hours of theory study and 210 academic hours of practical training.
(Updated: )
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