Zhumadilov heads the Defense Procurement Agency: what will change and who will lead the DPA?
6 March 2025 13:34
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has appointed Arsen Zhumadilov, who has been temporarily acting director and heading another specialized procurement organization, the State Operator of the Logistics (DOT), as director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) since early February. This was reported by the press service of the Defense Ministry, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“The defense procurement system requires clear rules, quick decisions and efficient supply. The main priority is not just the conclusion of contracts, but the timely provision of the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons in the right quantities. The Defense Procurement Agency is tasked with making the defense procurement system efficient, predictable and sustainable,” the statement said.
The appointment of Arsen Zhumadilov could be an important step in reforming the defense procurement system. The new head is expected to focus on:
- speeding up the supply of weapons and equipment;
- ensuring transparency of contracting;
- implementation of modern procurement standards.
How Ukraine’s defense procurement is being reformed: tasks for Zhumadilov
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the new head of the Defense Procurement Agency has an important task to make the procurement of weapons, ammunition and equipment as fast and efficient as possible.
“He has a clear task – to make the procurement of weapons, ammunition and equipment as efficient, transparent and fast as possible. This is a key resource for deterring the aggressor. There is no time for delay. The army is waiting for weapons. We need results here and now,” Umerov emphasized.
What is known about Zhumadilov
Arsen Zhumadilov was born on August 1, 1985 in Simferopol.
He received three higher education degrees:
- master’s degrees in law and political science from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;
- master of Public Administration and Management after studying at the London School of Economics in the capital of the United Kingdom;
- he completed his undergraduate studies at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
From November 2007 to September 2008, he worked as a manager in the corporate procurement department of Astelit Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Kyiv.
From March 2010 to December 2012, he was the CEO of KAZNETWORKS LLC.
In September 2012, he founded and headed the company “Crimean Style” in Simferopol, managing it until February 2014.
From December 2014 to August 2015, he headed the Department for Supporting the Activities of the Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for the Affairs of the Crimean Tatar People.
In August 2015, he became the head of Bilyaevka District State Administration in Odesa Oblast, and headed it until March 2017.
In April 2017, he became the Chairman of the Board of the Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies.
In October 2023, he was appointed Director General of the State Logistics Operator.
Who will lead the DOT
After Arsen Zhumadilov’s appointment to the Defense Ministry, the question arose as to who would head the State Defense Technical Enterprise (DOT). According to the agency, Andriy Sozansky will be acting director until a new head is elected. This decision was supported by the Supervisory Board.
“Andriy Sozansky has been a part of the team since the creation of DOT. He has significant experience in procurement and logistics, deeply understands the system and processes, and shares our values,” the statement said.
It should be noted that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has launched a pre-trial investigation against Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. He is suspected of abuse of power.
This happened after Umerov announced on January 24 that he had decided not to extend the contract with the director of the Defense Procurement Agency, Maryna Bezrukova, for another year.
The AntAC noted that the head of the Defense Ministry “refused to comply with the decision of the Supervisory Board of the Defense Procurement Agency, contrary to the law.” Umerov also dismissed two members of the Supervisory Board, Taras Chmut and Yuriy Dzhyhyr.
Scandal over the appointment of the head of the Defense Procurement Agency
on January 24, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the Defense Ministry would not extend the contract with the director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), Maryna Bezrukova, whose contract was extended for another year by the Supervisory Board of the DPA on January 24.
Arsen Zhumadilov, the current head of the DOT, has already agreed to head the agency. In addition, two representatives of the state, Yuriy Dzhyhyr and Taras Chmut, are to be recalled from the Supervisory Board.
In her turn, Bezrukova said she would remain the head of the Healthcare Agency. She was shocked by the Defense Minister’s statement about the non-renewal of her contract. According to her, “it looks like an attempt to rape all the reforms that were announced and promised to the public.”
Prior to that, the Supervisory Board of the Healthcare Agency approved the extension of Maryna Bezrukova’s contract for another year. According to the agency, no additional approval from the Ministry of Defense is required.
On January 30, the register was amended again, reinstating Bezrukova in her position. Then the registers were changed repeatedly until Zhumadilov again became the interim head of the APH.
The volume of procurement by the Healthcare Agency is about UAH 300 billion a year, while the State Defense Enterprise is about UAH 100 billion.
