**Ukraine’s Defense Minister Faces Calls to Resign**
The head of Ukraine’s parliament’s anti-corruption committee, Anastasia Radina, has called for the resignation of Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. This is due to his decision to fire Maryna Bezrukova, the head of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA).
**Bezrukova Remains Head of DPA**
Despite Umerov’s order, the DPA and Bezrukova say that she remains the legitimate head of the agency. They claim that Umerov’s decision was null and void.
**Concerns Over Corruption and Western Aid**
Ukrainian pro-reform MPs and anti-corruption activists have criticized Umerov for trying to destroy the independence of the DPA. They also worry that his actions may jeopardize Western military aid to Ukraine.
**Background on the Dispute**
The DPA’s supervisory board recently voted to extend Bezrukova’s contract, but Umerov overruled them, citing allegedly unsatisfactory results. However, the agency says it continues to operate under Bezrukova’s leadership.
**Ukrainian Law and Agency Charter**
According to Ukrainian law, supervisory boards have the authority to hire and fire the heads of state enterprises unilaterally. However, amendments made to the DPA’s charter by the Defense Ministry give them the power to reverse such decisions.
**Anti-Corruption Investigation**
The Anti-Corruption Action Center has filed a complaint with Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to investigate Umerov for alleged abuse of power.
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