Key facts
- Arsen Zhumadilov, director of Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency, is reportedly resigning.
- His resignation is effective September 1.
- The departure is part of a wider leadership change at the Defense Ministry.
- Artem Romaniukov is a potential acting replacement.
- Zhumadilov was previously questioned in a corruption probe.
- The resignation follows President Zelensky's nomination of a new acting Defense Minister.
Arsen Zhumadilov, the director of Ukraine's Defense Ministry's Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), is reportedly set to resign on September 1, according to Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA. The outlet cited undisclosed sources, stating that Zhumadilov has already submitted his resignation letter.
The reported departure occurs amid a broader leadership reshuffle within the Defense Ministry. Zhumadilov was appointed to lead the DPA in March 2025, following the dismissal of his predecessor by then-Minister Rustem Umerov. Before leading the DPA, Zhumadilov headed the State Rear Operator (DOT), a related agency for non-lethal acquisitions. The two agencies were merged into a single body under Zhumadilov's leadership in January, a move that raised concerns among anti-corruption watchdogs and deviated from NATO recommendations.
ZN.UA has not specified the reasons for Zhumadilov's resignation, and the ministry has not officially confirmed the reports. Artem Romaniukov, head of the Defense Ministry's Procurement Policy Directorate, is considered a potential acting replacement. The Kyiv Independent has stated it could not independently verify the reporting.
Zhumadilov's tenure has not been without scrutiny. In May 2026, he was questioned as a witness by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in connection with a significant corruption scandal involving businessman Timur Mindich, a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Audio recordings from NABU included discussions between Mindich and Minister Umerov regarding defense contracts. Zhumadilov acknowledged meeting with them to discuss bulletproof vest contracts but denied any wrongdoing.
Additionally, Zhumadilov faced criticism from the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAc) for dismissing his deputy, Artem Sytnyk. The NGO suggested this action was intended to ensure "convenient and loyal control over the agency." The news of Zhumadilov's impending resignation comes shortly after President Zelensky formally nominated Yevhen Khmara to serve as the acting Defense Minister, replacing Mykhailo Fedorov, who had championed increased transparency in defense procurement.