Key facts
- Herman Smetanin, general director of Ukroboronprom, announced his resignation on July 14.
- Ukroboronprom is Ukraine's largest state-owned defense company.
- Smetanin's resignation follows a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot on July 6.
- Two senior Ukroboronprom officials were dismissed following the depot incident.
- Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko was also dismissed by parliament on July 14.
Herman Smetanin, the general director of Ukraine's largest state-owned defense company, Ukroboronprom, announced on July 14 that he is stepping down from his position. Smetanin stated on his Telegram channel that it had been an honor to lead the company and highlighted the strong team built as a key achievement.
The resignation occurs in the wake of a significant controversy involving a deadly explosion at one of Ukroboronprom's ammunition depots during a Russian attack on July 6. This incident prompted an investigation into violations of ammunition storage regulations, resulting in the dismissal of two senior company officials.
Smetanin's departure also coincides with a broader shake-up in the Ukrainian government, as Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko was dismissed by parliament on the same day. The reasons for Smetanin's resignation were not specified, and it remains unclear if he will take on a new role within the government or defense industry.
Ukroboronprom, also known as the Ukrainian Defense Industry, is a major defense manufacturer comprising approximately 100 enterprises. These entities are involved in the development and production of various defense systems, including missiles, drones, and armored vehicles. Smetanin has had previous leadership roles at Ukroboronprom, serving between 2023 and 2024 before becoming strategic industries minister, and then returning to the company in the summer of 2025.