PR over productivity? Who can bring closure to the scandal between the Ministry of Defense and the AOZ? (video)

The scandal surrounding the activities of the Procurement Agency for Defense (PAD) requires intervention from the president. Otherwise, it could pose a threat to Ukraine's national security.

This opinion was expressed during a podcast hosted by "Ukrainska Pravda" editor-in-chief Sevahil Musaev with members of the Ukrainian Defense Committee Roman Kostenko and Serhiy Rakhmanin, as well as the founder of the project "Our Money," Yuriy Nikolov.

Nikolov pointed out that currently, no one is going to investigate the tasks assigned to the PAD and how the agency handled them, which is why it should simply be dissolved.

At the same time, Kostenko noted that the Ministry of Defense is unlikely to untangle the situation on its own, thus it is necessary for President Volodymyr Zelensky to address it directly.

"In a situation where one side blames the other, causing delays in procurement that affect the lives of people on the front lines… if this issue is not resolved, it won't progress further," he emphasized.

Rakhmanin also highlighted that the situation resembles a "Mexican soap opera," yet unfolds during critical times for Ukraine. Therefore, he added that the president should intervene as the Supreme Commander, head of the Headquarters, and head of the National Security and Defense Council. The MP further stated that if this problem is not resolved, it will impact the country's defense capabilities.

"This is an artificially created problem. However, it poses enormous risks for the entire country, not just for the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Rakhmanin said, adding that he considers the PAD an ineffective purchaser.

As previously reported, on January 24, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the ministry would not extend the contract with PAD head Marina Bezrukova. He stated that the PAD was supposed to provide the front with everything necessary in a timely manner and without delays.

"Unfortunately, over the past six months, instead of timely supplying the army with ammunition, we have encountered political games, contract 'leaks,' information 'leaks' (law enforcement will definitely investigate these facts), PR without action, and failure to meet KPI by the subordinate enterprise of the Ministry of Defense," he wrote.

At the same time, Bezrukova reported that the supervisory board of the PAD extended her contract for another year, and therefore she will not comply with Umerov's requirement.

According to the Ministry of Justice as of January 31, the PAD is temporarily headed by Arsen Jumadilov, but Bezrukova remains its head, although she is "temporarily suspended from performing her duties."