**Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Overhauled: New Appointments Made to Boost Efficiency and International Partnerships**
In a bid to improve the efficiency and agility of Ukraine’s defense ministry, three new deputy defense ministers have been appointed. The move comes as part of an effort to boost ties with foreign partners and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
**New Faces in Key Roles**
Serhii Boyev, who previously served as deputy minister for international partnerships, has been appointed first deputy defense minister. His main priorities will be developing a comprehensive strategy to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army, securing funding and investment for Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex, and establishing joint ventures with international partners.
Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov has taken on the role of deputy defense minister, focusing on logistics and procurement. He is credited with helping to establish effective mechanisms for supplying and supporting troops on the front lines.
Oleksandr Kozenko, a former adviser to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Presidential Office Head Andrii Yermak, has been appointed deputy defense minister in charge of aviation development.
**Scandal-Plagued Ministry Seeks Revamp**
The appointments come as part of an effort to revamp the ministry following a scandal over transparency in defense procurement. First Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk resigned voluntarily on April 11 after facing criticism for his handling of the issue.
Pro-reform MPs and anti-corruption activists have criticized Umerov for what they see as efforts to destroy the independence of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), which was created in 2022 to make defense procurement more transparent and counter corruption. The scandal has placed the Defense Ministry in the spotlight, with Umerov facing investigation over alleged abuse of power.
**Resignations and Shakeup**
Separately, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the resignation of his deputy, Serhii Melnyk. Melnyk will continue to work “in another area,” according to Umerov.
The shakeup in the ministry’s leadership comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing security challenges, including a conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and tensions with Russia.
**Implications for Ukraine’s Defense Sector**
The appointments are likely to have significant implications for Ukraine’s defense sector. The new deputy defense ministers will be tasked with developing strategies to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army and strengthening ties with foreign partners.
In a statement, Umerov said that his goal was to ensure “greater efficiency and agility” in the ministry’s work and boost international partnerships. The move is seen as an effort to revamp the ministry following the scandal over transparency in defense procurement.
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