**Ukraine’s Defense Minister Under Investigation**
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in Ukraine is investigating possible abuses of power by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. NABU launched a pre-trial investigation on January 28, after the minister dismissed Marina Bezrukova from her post as head of the Defense Procurement Agency.
**Background**
The dismissal followed a week of tensions between the ministry and the Defense Procurement Agency. The agency’s supervisory board had unanimously extended Bezrukova’s contract for another year, but the Defense Ministry overruled this decision. Minister Umerov cited unsatisfactory results as the reason for not renewing Bezrukova’s contract.
**Investigation Ongoing**
NABU is investigating all circumstances surrounding the dismissal and possible abuses of power. The agency’s director, Semen Kryvonos, said that a pre-trial investigation was ongoing, but no one has been charged with a crime yet.
**Anti-Corruption Activists React**
Anti-corruption activists and lawmakers say that the Defense Ministry’s actions are unlawful. They accuse the ministry of manipulating state enterprise registers to “legitimize” the appointment of Arsen Zhumadilov as head of the Defense Procurement Agency.
**President Comments**
President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation, saying that the defense minister has the right to do everything to prevent military supply delays. However, Ukrainian law states that officials who abuse their power or position in a manner leading to “serious consequences” can face imprisonment and disqualification from holding certain positions.
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