**Ukraine’s Government Dismisses Deputy Defense Minister Amid Procurement Tensions**
The Ukrainian government has confirmed the dismissal of Dmytro Klimenkov from his position as deputy defense minister. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions within the Defense Ministry over its weapons procurement process.
Klimenkov was appointed deputy defense minister in October 2023 and was responsible for overseeing procurement for the Armed Forces. However, he faced criticism for his handling of a major contract with a manufacturer owned by the Strategic Industries Ministry. The contract was for 500,000 artillery shells, but Klimenkov’s predecessor had expressed concerns about the company’s limited production capacity.
**Criticism and Repercussions**
Klimenkov’s dismissal has been met with criticism from anti-corruption activists and lawmakers who have labeled it “unlawful”. They warn that such actions could undermine efforts to reform Ukraine’s defense procurement system. The Defense Ministry announced on November 26 that it was investigating the contract and would pivot to delivering imported shells instead.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said in an interview with an Italian newspaper that it is only NATO that can provide real security guarantees for Ukraine. This comes as Russian attacks across Ukraine have killed at least four civilians and injured at least 23 over the past day.
The European Commission is considering alternatives within the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) framework, including quotas for agricultural products and additional safeguards. This follows ongoing tensions within the Defense Ministry over its weapons procurement process.
**Global Reaction**
The Ambassadors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries have called for a quick resolution of the Defense Procurement Agency dispute and urged uninterrupted continuation of weapons procurement. The Justice Ministry has also requested the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court to confiscate the assets of the Russian oil company Tatneft in Ukraine.
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